MFG Game Changers: Airmaster Fan
This article appeared in the Sep/Oct issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.
One of the most used products throughout the manufacturing industry — one that can be found in virtually every building — was invented by a company that is now located right here in Michigan. It’s a product that is necessary to keep equipment running optimally and to keep those who are running the equipment comfortable.
It is the industrial ceiling fan motor, and, although the invention dates back to the 1800s, the company itself is still running at full throttle, albeit under a different name and in a new location.
The company now known as Airmaster Fan was founded by Philip Diehl in 1886, and the first ceiling fan motor, invented in New Jersey, was patented by 1887. The company, which first relocated to Illinois and then to Michigan by the 1970s, became incorporated in that year and was later known as Diehl Manufacturing Company.
Incorporated as Airmaster Fan in 1975, the company moved its facility from Jackson to Clarklake in 2017. Airmaster has grown substantially over the years and has added innovative products and services through a variety of acquisitions.
Building on the company’s legacy as innovators and inventors, Airmaster holds more than 10 patents and 15 trademarks. Products include a wide variety of solutions such as air circulators, ventilation and heating and spare parts. The company was recently recognized by the National Association of Electrical Distributors for over 100 years of service.
As a manufacturer of industrial air moving equipment, shop floor circulators and ventilation equipment, Airmaster has traditionally imported some of its parts. The company is currently striving to continue its legacy while minimizing the need to import parts with the goal of minimizing costs and supporting the local economy.
“We’ve been able to consolidate designs and maximize our sheet metal expertise in order to manufacture the same goods that customers have come to expect from us,” says General Manager Tyler Griffiths. “At Airmaster, we pride ourselves on high quality and have 3-, 5- or 10-year warranties. Our customers truly appreciate the value and quality we have in our products.”
With Airmaster products, he says, a component may have to be replaced years later but imported parts can be discarded after a season or so.
“Overall, what we’ve seen is ‘Made in America’ does matter, and we strive to maintain that level of quality,” Griffiths says.
Airmaster maintains stocking warehouses across the U.S., offers the largest line of air moving equipment in North America and exports products worldwide through a distribution network.
This innovative, forward-thinking company is dedicated to keeping dollars in the local economy, and its groundbreaking products have made a significant impact not only in Michigan but in industrial workplaces throughout the country.
Learn More About Our Gamechanger
Headquarters: Clarklake
Web: airmasterfan.com
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