Screw air compressor manufacturers - a guide to the key players

Below, you will find a list in alphabetical order of the premium brands among screw compressor manufacturers. These are the brands well known in the industry and among compressed air users for their integrated systems and comprehensive solutions in the compressor room and beyond.

Atlas Copco was founded in 1873 and has a long standing tradition as one of the leading air compressor manufacturers. With a comprehensive product range and a network that spans 180 countries, Atlas Copco worked hard for its reputation as a one-stop shop for compressed air.

The flagship products for screw compressors by Atlas Copco are:

• GA VSD⁺ series in the oil-injected screw compressor category
• ZR VSD⁺ series in the oil-free screw compressor category

Gardner Denver can trace their history with air compressors as far back as 1859. They became a premium compressor brand within the portfolio of Ingersoll Rand Inc. as a result of a their merger in March 2020. As far as its reputation as a compressor manufacturer goes, Gardner Denver's offer comprises a broad range of products and technologies aimed at most industries, backed by a global presence that spans 34 countries.

The flagship products for screw compressors by Gardner Denver are:

• VS series in the oil-injected screw compressor category
• EnviroAire TVS series in the oil-free screw compressor category

Ingersoll Rand is another well known manufacturer in the field of rotary screw air compressors. With a history dating back to 1871 and a commitment to continued innovation, they are a preferred brand with many companies, especially in its home base in the United States.

The flagship products for screw compressors by Ingersoll Rand are:

• Nirvana N-series ne in the oil-injected screw compressor category
• Nirvana IRN series in the oil-free screw compressor category

Kaeser Kompressoren is a family owned business, and one of the household names when it comes to the premium manufacturers of compressed air products and services. With a history dating back to 1919, and a reach across 100 countries globally, they are often a preferred supplier for rotary screw compressors and installations.

The flagship products for screw compressors by Kaeser are their SFC variants. There isn't a specific series that runs through the entire demand spectrum.

Quincy Compressor earned themselves a reputation as a premium partner on their home turf in the United States. With a history that dates back to 1920 and an ethos to deliver uncompromising reliability and performance, Quincy Compressor's product offering speaks for itself in all the countries where they are present. Quincy Compressor is a member of the Atlas Copco Group.

The flagship products for screw compressors by Quincy Compressor are:

• QSI in the oil-injected screw compressor category
• WISair brand products in the oil-free screw compressor category

Founded in 1907, BOGE entered the world of air compressor manufacturing through piston technology machines, later diversifying into the production of screw compressors. It is a family-owned business, with a presence in 120 countries globally, a reputation for investment in bettering their products and a comprehensive portfolio.

CompAir was born in 1968 as a result of a merger between Holman Bros. and BroomWade, aiming to create the resources necessary to tackle the world market of air compressors. It became a member of the Gardner Denver group in 2008 (now Ingersoll Rand Inc.) and it serves a diverse range of industries with an extensive product portfolio.

The flagship products for screw compressors by CompAir are:

• L-series RS in the oil-injected screw compressor category
• Ultima U-series in the oil-free screw compressor category

The story of ALUP Kompressoren began in 1924, and they have built themselves a reputation as competent partner for both their distribution network and their customers. They offer their customers a promise to be on the cutting edge of technology and a substantial product offering to cover the compressor room and its service. ALUP Kompressoren is a member of the Atlas Copco Group.

Worthington Creyssensac has been a compressors manufacturer since 1934, producing machinery with screw technology since 1966. Their focus is to step away from the conventional product oriented sale, to offer their customers complete packages that answer their needs and solve their problems. Worthington Creyssensac is a member of the Atlas Copco Group.

Sullair traces its history back to 1965 in the United States, which is still one of its principal markets. They have long standing experience with rotary screw technology, and a focus to build machines that stand the test of time. They offer a respectable portfolio and serve the key manufacturing industries. As of 2017, Sullair is part of the Japanese powerhouse Hitachi Group.

Although not focused on a premium offering, these brands listed alphabetically below have earned themselves a honourable commendation for solid product design and popularity primarily within the small and medium size compressors market.

The year 1923 saw the establishment of ALMiG Kompressoren in Germany, which produced its first compressor in 1930. However, ALMiG entered the rotary screw compressor scene relatively later than most of their competitors. Their product offering is diverse from a technological standpoint and so is their customer base, which makes them a good all-round supplier. Their distribution network is greatly strengthened by their membership in the Taiwanese conglomerate Fusheng.

Champion's beginnings date back to 1919, and their technology offering is as diverse as some of the premium manufacturers. The primary objective of their offering is affordability and aftermarket support through their distribution network. Their customer base are the small and medium-size industries, with a focus on vehicle repair, craftsmen and general industrial. They are a brand of what used to be the Gardner Denver Group, now Ingersoll Rand Inc., and are primarily present in Gardner Denver's 34 active countries.

Chicago Pneumatic is one of the more diverse manufacturers listed here. A supporter of their industry partners since 1894, the CP brand screw compressors nowadays reach interested buyers primarily through distribution partners. They are well known in industrial production and vehicle servicing, aided by their branches delivering industrial tools and construction equipment. Chicago Pneumatic is a member of the Atlas Copco group.

There are, of course, other players. Each country has what could be referred to as “supermarket brands”, which are easy to obtain from various outlets. There are also new, local and international brands that focus on a single aspect of the compressor, such as where it is made or a very competitive price. They all have their value and their place in the market, of course.

Buying a rotary screw compressor, however, implies that you’re thinking of more than right now. A compressor you can get off the shelf which will be cheap to replace in the event of failure, won’t be designed with energy efficiency or a long lifespan in mind. Similarly, a small local brand or a completely new player in the market, might offer very tempting and competitive prices. But will they be able to provide support, genuine spare parts and specialised service for the whole useful life of the compressor? Will they be able to provide it in tough market conditions or with temporary disruption to their supply chains? Without these, you could end up with a very expensive piece of scrap metal. It’s also worth considering how long a supplier has been around to be able to judge their ability to keep providing support beyond the moment of purchase. If your supplier goes bust the day after your compressor is delivered, are you confident that the machinery can be maintained in the way it needs to be to match your requirements?