Rental market drives Sullair compressor developments

First published at CONEXPO-CON/AGG - March 12, 2020

The next generation 1600H compressor from Sullair

The continuing shift from owned machines to rental fleets is driving changes in the air compressor market, according to manufacturer Sullair.

“When I started in the industry 30-plus years ago, the split was 20% rented to 80% owned by contractors … Now that is reversed,” says Rus Warner, vice president of rental and infrastructure sales and service for the Americas at Sullair. “Durability, flexibility and best-in-class serviceability are required by rental customers, in order to optimise their return on investment,” he added.

The rental sector is also demanding telematics, such as Sullair’s AirLinx system, says Warner. Larger companies already use telematics extensively, with smaller players likely to follow suit.

More “contractor-driven” is the switch that is driving the market towards more environmentally-responsible equipment says Sullair. In response, the manufacturer has made adaptations such as the addition of a “containment” system able to catch any spills from a machine and the ability to evaporate condensate – rather than relying on the operator to responsibly dispose of the liquid … which contains traces of oil.

Parent company Hitachi has helped develop Sullair’s expertise around oil free compressors too. “We have a full line of electric-powered machines and a diesel-powered machine as well,” says Warner. This range of options “will continue to grow as oil-free becomes the standard.”

Hitachi Group, which acquired Sullair in April 2017 in order to gain a position in the North American market, is investing in its US operations. A $30m expansion at Sullair’s Michigan City facility is underway together with upgrades to its existing plant. Hitachi is also investing in Sullair’s office in Chicago to make it a hub for all of Hitachi Group’s North American activity.

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