Company News

Navendu Sharma, Senior Product Manager with Sullair, provided commentary in the September 2020 issue of Compact Equipment. In the article titled "How Do You Use a Towable Air Compressor to Winterize an Irrigation or Sprinkler System?" Sharma provides contractors with tips, tricks and best practices when using portable diesel air compressors for blowout season/winerizing irrigation systems.

Sullair, an industry leader in innovative compressed air solutions since 1965, announced it is partnering with Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) in its Equipped To Vote campaign. Equipped to Vote is a national campaign to engage, educate and mobilize the 2.8 million men and women of the equipment manufacturing industry leading up to this fall’s election.

Manhar Grewal, R&D Product Manager at Sullair, recently had an article published in Compressed Air Best Practices titled "Calculating the Water Costs of Water-Cooled Air Compressors." The article focuses on the opportunity to reduce the water consumption of compressed air systems. It also helps energy managers understand how much cooling water is required for the inventory of air compressors in their factories along with the related costs. An evaluation can then be made, of the different types of cooling systems, to ascertain water and cost reduction strategies.

​This summer, Sullair celebrated its 55th anniversary. From construction and infrastructure to landscaping and oil and gas to industrial manufacturing, our portable air compressors are found on jobsites around the world. Our industrial air compressors are found in facilities powering food and beverage, pharmaceutical, general manufacturing, apparel and automotive productions, to name a few.

Sullair and several of its employees are featured prominently in Compressed Air Best Practices' article titled "Compressed Air Manufacturers and Distributors Rise Above the COVID-19 Crisis." David Andrews, Vice President of Global Marketing and Communications, and Jessica Bailey, Vice President of Human Resources, were interviewed by the publication.

As rental companies face higher acquisition costs for Tier 4 Final-compliant portable air compressors in the face of an inelastic rental rate, compressor manufacturers are developing units that can offer greater rental flexibility. Rus Warner, Senior Vice President of Global Product Management at Sullair, provides commentary regarding this topic in the "Industry Outlook: Portable Air Compressors" article in the July-August 2020 issue of Pro Contractor Rentals.

The journey into industrial air compressors can be overwhelming. In this article, Sullair Stationary Product Manager John Schmitt answers some common questions regarding compressor capacity and system demand to get you started in the right direction.

Sullair is featured in the June 2020 issue of Diesel Progress. The article, titled "Expanding Options in Compression," discusses Sullair introducing and expanding its air compressor lineup to better meet its customer needs -- particularly in the rental market. The article features commentary from Rus Warner, Senior Vice President of Product Management, and Stephanie Roberts, Director of Communications, following a press conference at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020 in Las Vegas.

Rus Warner, senior vice president of product management with Sullair, is interviewed in the latest Compact Equipment (CE) Conversations video. Warner has a digital sit-down with Keith Gribbins, publisher of Compact Equipment, discussing how to pick a towable air compressor, how to operate it, what makes a durable unit, which sizes are popular for sprinkler system operations and much more.

Rus Warner, Senior Vice President of Product Management at Sullair, wrote a bylined article for Rental Equipment Register (RER) titled "Tips for an Efficient and Profitable Air Compressor Fleet." With challenging times in the equipment rental industry, Warner provides several tips to help ensure that air compressors in rental fleets not only satisfy customers but also help rental companies remain efficient and profitable.

In the May 2020 issue of Rental magazine, compressors take the spotlight. Compressor manufacturers, including Sullair, discuss the latest advancements in their portable air compressor products.  Rus Warner, Vice President, Americas - Rental & Infrastructure at Sullair, discusses the next generation 1600H portable air compressor and some of the top demands from customers, such as ease of serviceability, ease of use and environmentally friendly equipment.

Sullair is prominently featured in the May 2020 issue of Compressed Air Best Practices magazine. Manhar Grewal, R&D Commercial Systems Product Manager, authored an article titled "What’s Possible When Operating Rotary Screw Air Compressors in Hot Ambient Conditions?" (pages 18-23). The article provides an overview of what’s possible in these conditions, along with advice for ensuring the optimal performance of air compressors in hot ambient conditions.

In response to market changes and diversifying needs, Hitachi seeks to build an operation base to provide total seamless solutions that establish a connection between workplaces and management through digital technologies.

Sullair announced that Charlie Takeuchi has been named president and chief executive officer, effective today. He succeeds Jack Carlson, who retired as president and chief executive officer on March 31, 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned our lives upside down. As the world battles the pandemic, we’ve seen shortages of critical protective gear for our health care workers on the front lines. Sullair donated nearly 1,300 N95 respirators to Franciscan Health Michigan City to help protect its workers on the front lines.

Air compressors are essential equipment at manufacturing sites. Hitachi has years of experience in the compressor industry and has a comprehensive product portfolio. In 2017, Sullair joined the Hitachi Group and the Group has been expanding its business globally.

Sullair is showcasing several new products and innovations among its full line of portable diesel air compressors at CONEXPO-CONAGG 2020.

The February 2020 edition of Compact Equipment features an article written by Case Curtis, a portable oil free application specialist with Sullair. The article, titled "Clearing the Air: Coming Clean About Diesel-Driven Oil Free Portable Air Compressors," discusses the growing need for applications requiring oil free compressed air. Curtis discusses when oil free compressed air is essential, the differences in oil free air quality and some best practices when using these compressors.

Sullair is donating a custom painted, Perkins-powered 185 Tier 4 Final Portable Air Compressor to the 2020 ARA Foundation Charity Auction and Reception. The compressor, which will be on display in the Sullair booth, was painted by Curly’s Inc., a premier bike and hot rod shop in northwest Indiana.

In the February-March 2020 issue of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine, Kelly Molchan and Chris Sales, both of Sullair, were interviewed in the article "A Memorable Experience." The article discusses why educational partnerships are essential to building effective internships for students and employers. Sales, who interned with Sullair in 2018, is now a full-time applications engineer with the company. Molchan is a talent acquisition and employee engagement specialist with Sullair and has coordinated the yearly internship program for the past five years.

The January 2020 issue of Rental Management features Sullair in its article "Airing it Out." In the article, Nav Sharma, Senior Product Manager, Rental & Infrastructure, discusses air compressor trends within the rental industry. For instance, rental companies are beginning to demand more flexible and variable pressure and flow machines. "By having a wide range of flow and pressure options and adjustments on a single machine, [rental companies] are able to cover a wider range of applications and command rental rates based on pressure."

Sullair, an industry leader in innovative compressed air solutions since 1965, announced it has won the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award for the Hitachi Inspiration of the Year Global Awards 2019. The Sullair submission titled “Development of the Compressed Air Academy in Michigan City Area Schools” was selected from 33 nominations submitted from Hitachi Group Companies across the Americas.

News of Sullair expanding its Michigan City headquarters campus was featured in the December 2019 issue of COMPRESSORTech2 magazine. Chad McKeever, senior director of operations at Sullair, was interviewed about the historical project in the article titled "Sullair Expands its U.S. Headquarters" (page 54). In addition, the Michigan City expansion project is highlighted in the cover story "Compression Yearbook 2019" (page 43).  COMPRESSORTech2 is the premier machinery-focused media platform for the gas compression industry. 

Michigan City High School (MCHS) recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house for its Compressed Air Academy. The academy is the first of its kind in the nation. It was developed in 2018 to address regional workforce needs through a partnership involving the high school, the Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City (EDCMC) and Sullair, along with other compressor and vacuum manufacturers.

Sullair, an industry leader in innovative compressed air solutions since 1965, held a ceremonial groundbreaking on October 4th following the announcement of a $30 million capital investment to expand its North American operations and headquarters campus in Michigan City, Indiana. Remarks heralding the significance of the project were given by Masakazu “Mike” Aoki, Hitachi Executive Vice President and Sullair Chairman; Jack Carlson, President and CEO of Sullair; Luke Bosso, Senior Operations Director at Office of Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb; and Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer.

Sullair, an industry leader in innovative compressed air solutions since 1965, today announced it is making a major capital investment to expand its North America operations and headquarters campus in Michigan City, Indiana. “This is further evidence of our commitment to the Michigan City community and to making the necessary investments in the equipment and facilities needed to become a stronger air compressor manufacturer,” said Charlie Takeuchi, COO and Executive Vice President at Sullair. “We’re excited to break ground on the project and change the face of Sullair.”

John Skalka, Manager of Warranty, Service and Training with Sullair, discussed some best practices to help keep industrial air compressors healthy. Tips include such things as oil sampling analysis and performing air-link audits. Learn more by reading the full article, "Keep Your Air Compressors Healthy," in the September/October 2019 issue of Efficient Plant magazine (page 29). Or, click here to read it online.

Sullair recently held school supply drives in both its Chicago and Michigan City offices. The Chicago Community Action Committee partnered with Operation Backpack to donate new school supplies to Chicago-area children in need – children in foster care and children of veterans suffering from housing instability. All children are enrolled in Chicago Public Schools. Sullair Chicago employees come together and made the event a success, donating nearly 350 school supplies! Operation Backpack accepted the donation and was pleased with the amount of school supplies donated.

Sullair hosted its second annual interns’ bags tournament at Zorn Brewery, raising nearly $1,800 for LaPorte County Habitat for Humanity.

Air compressors are still very much alive and well on job sites. In the June/July 2019 issue of Contractor Supply magazine, Navendu Sharma discusses some of the latest trends and updates pertaining to contractors and air compressors, including on the Sullair 185 Tier 4 Final. Sharma is a senior product manager with Sullair.  Click here to read the full article (beginning on page 68).

Sullair is prominently featured in the May 2019 issue of Rental magazine. The article is titled "Building a Profitable Air Compressor Fleet," written by Nav Sharma, Senior Product Manager - Rental & Infrastructure at Sullair. The article discusses the diesel portable air compressor families -- small and medium air and big air -- and five ways to help rental companies build more profitable businesses.

Springfield Remanufacturing Corp (SRC), partner and home of the Sullair Certified Reman Program, recently received two 2019 Safety Excellence Awards from the Missouri Association of Manufacturers.  

Sullair is working to inspire the next generation to explore career paths in science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). Sullair is the first company in LaPorte County to team up with Edge Factor, a resource for educators providing teaching resources for students, to introduce local 3rd-12th graders to career opportunities in industrial settings.

Sullair, an industry leader in innovative compressed air solutions since 1965, hosted its 2nd Annual Zorn Brew Fest and Charity “Pie Your Boss” Event, raising $5,055 for Hey U.G.L.Y. – Unique Gifted Lovable You. Hey U.G.L.Y. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the lives of youth who are suicidal due to bullying.

Sullair was among 65 Indiana companies and organizations honored by Governor Eric J. Holcomb during an event at the Indiana Statehouse on March 21, 2019. The governor presented each business with the Governor’s Century or Half Century Business Award in recognition of each company’s longevity and service to its employees, community and the state.

Sullair announced it has partnered with Center of Workforce Innovations to enhance the Adult Learning Center of its managed WorkOne Center in La Porte. As part of this announcement, Sullair has donated 20 computers – 15 laptops and five desktops – from its facility to the organization. 

Sullair was featured on commercial construction and design series "Inside the Blueprint" on the Fox Business Network on Sunday, February 17th.

Sullair announced it is donating a 185 Tier 4 Final Portable Air Compressor to the ARA Foundation Charity Auction and Reception. The compressor, which has special ARA Foundation branding, will be exhibited in the Sullair booth.

In an interview with Plant Services magazine, Manhar Grewal, R&D product manager, discusses how IoT and Big Data are helping new engineers and technicians get up to speed in the compressed air industry.

Rental Management magazine interviewed Sullair President and CEO Jack Carlson about what the combination of Sullair and Hitachi means for the air compressor industry. In July 2017, Sullair became a Hitachi Group Company and now is part of the Hitachi Industrial Equipment System Co. Click here to read the full article. 

The February 2019 issue of Compact Equipment includes the article "Air Supply: Maintenance Musts and Best Practices to Keep Compressors Working" written by Navendu Sharma, senior product manager of rental and infrastructure at Sullair.

Kenbar Geotechnic, a customer of Thailand-based Sullair distributor Power Air Systems, provided equipment in the Tham Luang Cave rescue efforts.

Sullair employees raised $5,593 for the Marine Corp Toys for Tots program. Following the fundraiser, the company announced it will match the Toys for Tots employee donations dollar-for-dollar and donate an additional $5,593 to Family Advocates.

The Sullair Rental & Infrastructure (R&I) team hosted the 2018 Independent Manufacturer Representatives meeting in Michigan City, drawing 16 attendees from across the United States and Canada.

Rental Equipment Register (RER) magazine has selected the Sullair OFD1550 portable oil free rotary screw air compressor as the top winner in the Compressors/Air Tools equipment category of its 2018 Innovative Product Awards.

Plant Engineering magazine has selected the Sullair OFD1550 portable oil free rotary screw air compressor as a 2018 Product of the Year Finalist. 2018 is the 31st year of the Plant Engineering Product of the Year award program.

How and where is compressed air used in the drilling and mining industry? In the November 2018 issue of GeoDrilling International, a Sullair expert explains.

The October 2018 issue of Compressed Air Best Practices covered Sullair and its recent one-year anniversary of becoming A Hitachi Group Company. The celebration drew more than 1,200 Sullair and Hitachi employees and family members, Hitachi executives and dignitaries from Michigan City and the state of Indiana.

Sullair launched the LS160 oil-flooded rotary screw air compressor. The LS160 expands the innovation and performance of the Sullair LS series – first introduced in 2017 – to the next horsepower range, delivering 200 hp and 160 kW.

Sullair displayed at the inaugural Best Practices Expo & Conference, held September 16-19, 2018 in Rosemont, Illinois.

Compact Equipment magazine features the article "Air Tools - And Where There Are Air Tools There Are Air Compressors," which informs readers of how to select the appropriate air tools and size the appropriate portable air compressor for their needs.

Sullair showcases its expanded LS Series rotary screw air compressor line at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago.

Sullair showcases its expanded oil free compressor line at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago.

The July/August 2018 issue of Plant Engineering magazine discusses Sullair and Hitachi's development of a service platform utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced digital technologies to automatically propose optimal repair work for various types of industrial machinery.

Sullair hot air balloon pilot Shawn Raya was recently named the overall winner of the 2018 Flag City BalloonFest Championship and the Great Lakes Regional Championship, an event managed by the Balloon Federation of America (BFA).

Sullair announced its address is changing for only the third time in its 53-year history. Effective immediately, the Sullair Michigan City campus address becomes 1 Sullair Way, Michigan City, Indiana 46360.

Several Sullair 185 and 400H cfm portable air compressors have been spotted working on the New NY Bridge Project. Sullair compressors are providing power for bridgework. The New NY Bridge project is located less than 20 miles north of New York City. The project will replace the 63-year-old Tappan Zee Bridge that connects Rockland County to Westchester County over the Hudson River with a new 3.1-mile twin-span, cable-stayed bridge to be named the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.

Sullair has expanded the sales and service territory for Blake & Pendleton, an independent Sullair distributor, to include North Carolina, Northern Mississippi, Eastern Arkansas and the greater Memphis area of Southern Tennessee.

Compressed Air Best Practices features the article “Great Plains and Air Capital Equipment Monitor Great Savings,” which shows how a plant air audit saved the company money by optimizing the performance of the compressed air system.

Diesel Progress magazine informs readers about the new Sullair branding initiative and new products for the construction and mining industries.

The Sullair LS Series, the first Sullair compressor to utilize a new, patent-pending air end design, has been selected a Plant Engineering Magazine 2017 Product of the Year Finalist.

Precision Air Systems, Inc. has been appointed the authorized distributor for Sullair commercial and industrial products for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties in California, a territory that previously had no assigned distributor.

Sullair announced Maqpower Compressor Corporation has been appointed an authorized distributor for Sullair Commercial and Industrial Products in the greater Los Angeles area.

The day before our company’s 52nd birthday, Sullair officially became A Hitachi Group Company. The combination of Sullair and Hitachi represents a uniquely attractive opportunity for Sullair, its distributors and its end customers. 

Sullair announced the company’s “next half-century” begins at ComVac 2017 in Hannover, Germany.

California Compression, LLC has been appointed an authorized distributor for Sullair Commercial and Industrial products for Northern California.

Sullair has opened a new, state-of-the-art training center in Michigan City, Indiana with a larger, hands-on training area; a brand-new virtual reality (VR) compressor training room; and a more convenient location.

Sullair has announced an increased focus on its air treatment products and support, expanding the existing compressed air treatment business and extending and upgrading the current portfolio

​​​​​​​Sullair announced the launch of its brand new Certified RECON program, a hassle-free way to maintain their equipment and keep it running at maximum efficiency, for its large portable air compressors.

Sullair announced a multimillion-dollar investment to purchase seven state-of-the-art machines for use in its rotor shop located in Michigan City, Indiana. The enhanced machinery will increase efficiency and safety on the factory floor, replacing 30- to 40-year-old equipment.