MINNEAPOLIS (April 13, 2010) – Ryan Companies US, Inc. recently broke ground on a new 354,192-square-foot distribution center for The Toro Company in Tomah, Wis. When completed this fall, the development will serve as the distribution hub for company’s commercial turf products.

Ryan is providing a fully integrated development, architecture & engineering, construction and capital markets solution for Toro, which is headquartered in the Twin Cities. Shortly after Toro selected Ryan through a competitive process--brokered by Tad Jellison from Jones Lang Lasalle--the development team immediately began working with state and federal officials on wetland mitigation and highway accessibility, two site issues that are critical to the project’s success.

“With our lease expiring in Baraboo (Wis.), we began exploring relocation alternatives in close proximity to our Tomah manufacturing facility to optimize efficiencies,” said Judy Altmaier, vice president of Operations at Toro. “The selected site in Tomah provides the greatest benefit in helping reduce operational costs while improving our productivity. Equally important is our long-standing relationship with the people at Ryan. It gives us great confidence they are equipped to manage all facets of the build, and are committed to delivering a project that meets all of our needs today and long into the future.”

The Ryan team is using building information modeling (BIM) to execute the entire project. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the process of generating and managing building data during its lifecycle. It uses three-dimensional, real-time, dynamic building modeling software to increase productivity in building design and construction. BIM facilitates one living process where the customer is directly integrated into development and design activities with a model that the construction team will build from -- no translation, no lost intention. The Toro project specifically included clash detection for all mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems and real-time estimating. All office and field personnel are able to access and review the model and coordinate activities accordingly.

“It is always a pleasure to work with Toro. They share our commitment to relationships and customer satisfaction,” said Casey Hankinson for Ryan. “This project faced many obstacles and a tight timeframe. The collaboration of our Ryan design-build process coupled with the goals the Toro team set allowed us to develop a design and construction plan that meets Toro’s current and future needs.”

Construction is slated for completion by late September with plans for Toro to transition operations from Baraboo to Tomah by early October.  The new facility will employ approximately 15 individuals.

About Ryan Companies, US, Inc.
Ryan Companies US, Inc., a nationally recognized developer, design-builder and real estate manager, has specialized in fully integrated solutions for more than 70 years. Ryan builds lasting relationships with a project delivery model based on full-service customized solutions and total collaboration – pairing the customer’s needs and expectations with the talents of a team of developers, financiers, architects, engineers, constructors and property managers. In addition to its Minneapolis office, Ryan has offices in Chicago, Phoenix, San Diego, Tampa, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Des Moines. Ryan was named the 2007 National Developer of the Year by the National Association of Office and Industrial Properties (NAIOP).

About The Toro Company
The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) is a leading worldwide provider of turf and landscape maintenance equipment, and precision irrigation systems. With sales of more than $1.5 billion in fiscal 2009, Toro’s global presence extends to more than 140 countries through its reputation of world-class service, innovation and turf expertise. Since 1914, the company has built a tradition of excellence around a number of strong brands to help customers care for golf courses, sports fields, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties, and agricultural fields. More information is available at www.toro.com.

Editor’s note: Interviews with Ryan executives are available by contacting Madeline Riggs at 612-455-1755 or mriggs@psbpr.com