BALTIMORE - Danfoss announced that its Food Retail business has purchased Com-Trol’s intellectual property rights related to communication protocol from Schneider Electric.

“Danfoss’ ownership of the communication protocol and deployment into relevant Danfoss devices will provide existing Com-Trol customers with a migration plan that will mitigate risks surrounding the eventual obsolescence of the Com-Trol family of commercial refrigeration controllers and equipment,” said Jeffrey Bredeson, vice president of sales for Danfoss’ Food Retail North America.

With the migration plan in place, Schneider Electric will discontinue manufacturing the Com-Trol product line effective Aug. 31, 2011.

Schneider plans to use its long-standing channel partner, Aztec Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Danfoss, to assist with the transition. “As a result, Danfoss Food Retail, through Aztec Energy, will become the only source for Com-Trol products and authorized migration solutions,” stated Bredeson.

“This agreement is a very positive result for Schneider Electric and the Com-Trol product line because it supports our long-standing customers,” said Jim Sandelin, senior vice president of Schneider Electric’s Buildings Business Americas.

“To ensure a smooth transition and protect customers’ interests, we will work closely with Com-Trol customers to manage the development and transition of energy management systems and control system products,” affirmed Bredeson.

The organizations said they are committed to:

• Supporting and maintaining the customer’s installed base, and upcoming projects.

• Working with customers to develop and implement an approved, proprietary technology migration plan in the upcoming weeks.

For more information, visit www.danfoss.com.

Publication date: 12/20/2010