McKenzie Compressed Air News

McKenzie Supplier Hycomp Makes the Inc. 500/5000 List

  Hycomp is currently one of the fastest growing companies in the United States according to Inc. Magazine’s exclusive annual ranking – “Inc. 500|5000: America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies. Thirty years ago (1981) Inc. Magazine began to publish an annual report of what was originally titled: “The Inc. Private 100: One Hundred of the Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies in the United States.” They have refined the title of this report and expanded it to a list of 5000 with a concentration on the top 500.

From 2007 to 2010 Hycomp has experienced a growth of 83%. Their hard work and customer service based business model has earned Hycomp a rank of 2719 out of 5000 companies and a manufacturing industry rank of 91.

Hycomp continues to push forward by researching new markets and applications where their compressors and boosters can provide quality solutions. Hycomp compressors are manufactured to handle three main high pressure situations: 1) Compressed air above 150 psig, 2) When plant air pressure isn’t enough and 3) Compressing any gas other than air. Hycomp continues to grow through solid engineering, industry-specific market research and by building strong relationships of trust with our distributors and end-users.

For more information about Hycomp equipment, contact Shaun Nelson at snelson@mckenzieair.com or visit our web site at www.mckenzieair.com

 

 

Shaun Nelson, McKenzie Vice President of Sales

HOUSTON, TX, August 02, 2011 – McKenzie Compressed Air Solutions, the leading provider of compressed air equipment, parts and service in Texas, is pleased to announce the addition of Shaun Nelson to its staff where he has taken on the role of Vice President of Sales.

Prior to joining McKenzie Compressed Air Solutions, Shaun was the Zone Manager - Western US, Western Canada, Mexico, and Guam for PPG Industries - the world’s leading coatings and specialty products company. He is a graduate of Sam Houston State University and is a member of NACE International and Safari Club International.

"We aggressively searched for an individual with the kind of drive and expertise that Shaun brings to the sales team," noted Mary Ann McKenzie, President of McKenzie. “He offers a broad range of experience in sales and sales management, along with the entrepreneurial spirit that will enable McKenzie to accelerate its growth in Texas and beyond."

According to Shaun, "McKenzie is exactly the type of company for which I have been looking to work. The opportunity to work with a family owned business that has a long, stable history and excellent reputation is very appealing to me. Based on the company’s goals and willingness to grow into new areas, I see this as an excellent opportunity."

McKenzie’s industrial market share continues to grow at a rapid pace. Because of its dedication to quality service, well-trained technicians and quick response, McKenzie has been awarded projects with many leading local, national and International companies.

Since 1960, compressed air has been McKenzie's specialty. For over 50 years, McKenzie has been committed to ensuring its customers have compressed air 24/7 and they can solve the problem with most any compressed air system. For more information, contact Shaun Nelson at snelson@mckenzieair.com or visit our web site at www.mckenzieair.com

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AICD 2011 - May 14-17

The 2011 Association of Independent Compressor Distributors (AICD) meeting was held May 14 – 17. This year The AICD meeting headed to The Red Rock Resort in beautiful Las Vegas, Nevada.

Founded in 1985, AICD has grown to include members in the United States, Canada, Mexico and other countries. The AICD provides its membership with cooperative purchasing programs, member training and educational seminars. Additionally, our annual meetings provide networking opportunities with other distributors and vendors within the compressed air industry.

Attendance levels, at the Conference, were excellent by both exhibitors and the membership of the association. The AICD President, Manny Cafiero of Scales Industrial Technologies, said, “We are pleased with the strong booth and member turnout as well as with the strong speaker program.”

AICD President, Manny , visiting with Mike Angotti and Barb Pontisso at the ASCO Numatics booth.

 

Joseph Lapiana, from New Media Marketing, then presented “Successful Marketing in a New Era.” The focus of the presentation was on understanding and capitalizing on electronic media. The use of Social Media, web sites, e-newsletters, and blogs was discussed as effective and low-cost ways to market in today’s world. Mr. Lapiana utilized the McKenzie website, blog and Facebook pages as examples of "a company who's doing it right."

Parker PDF is still the reigning champion with the most entertaining booth. The tuxedo-clad dealer taught association members how to play craps and readied a few people for some serious throwing later that evening! Nick Herrig’s team also presented the Parker domnick hunter ThermalStar Smart Thermal Mass Cycling Refrigerated Air Dryer package complete with OIL-X EVOLUTION filtration to provide air quality to ISO 8573.1 Class 1.4.1. It’s a nice package giving customers the energy-savings of a cycling refrigerated dryer combined with the air quality provided by a oil-coalescing filter. More info at www.parker.com/pdf (compliments of Compressed Air Best Practices).

Nick Herrig and Denis Williams (left to right) from Parker PDF presented the Parker domnick hunter ThermalStar thermal mass cycling refrigerated air dryer presented in a package with the OIL-X Evolution oil coalescing filter to provide air quality to ISO 8573.1 Class 1.4.1.

 

Growth Opportunities Increase for Industrial Air Compressor Manufacturers

LONDON--(Marketwire - March 28, 2011)

Increased investments in Eastern Europe will provide growth opportunities for industrial air compressor manufacturers. Although the financial crisis affected most end-user sectors across the globe, demand has been sustained through increasing awareness of the benefits of oil-free air compressors. The demand for centrifugal compressors across Europe is poised to rise due to certain re-initiated projects in recovering economies.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.industrialautomation.frost.com), Strategic Analysis of the European Industrial Air Compressors Market, finds that the market earned revenues of $1,070.5 million in 2009 and estimates this to reach $1,317.8 million in 2016.

"End-user focus on energy-efficient and easy-to-use compressors will boost market prospects," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Associate Rajita Sahitya. "Moreover, enhanced focus on after-sales services opens the new avenue for growth."

As the maintenance and operating costs of compressors contribute a major share of the total life cycle costs, customers prefer products that offer better energy savings and longer life cycles. This has led to an increased revenue share for rotary screw compressors over reciprocating compressors.

Furthermore, although after-sales services have been an integral part of the industrial air compressors market, it has assumed greater significance during the financial downturn. Prevailing scepticism about customer spending owing to the economic slowdown will further emphasise the importance of improving life cycle and energy costs.

Although there are signs of recovery, there are still apprehensions about customer spending; customers continue to look at ways to lower their expenses. This trend, coupled with volatile energy pricing and regulations, is set to drive the demand for compressors with an integrated heat recovery system. This helps achieve 100 per cent energy efficiency and hence, leaves no carbon footprint.

Due to the economic downturn, there has been an increase in adoption of second-hand compressors. "Used compressors are priced much lower than new equivalents," explains Rajita. "Hence, they have become a viable alternative for local and niche end users. This trend, however, has resulted in a decrease in the total revenue potential of the market."

There is heightened focus on providing energy-efficient and easy-to-use designs in order to reduce operational costs. "Advanced technology that offers optimal efficiency will help immensely in achieving reduced energy consumption and carbon footprint," concludes Rajita.

 

McKenzie - A Platinum Sponsor at the 2011 HLS&R BBQ Cook-off

 

McKenzie Compressed Air Solutions was the newest Platinum Sponsor at the HLS&R BBQ Cook-off, the largest event of its kind in the world. Over 250,000 people passed through the BBQ cook-off in Houston over the three day event. McKenzie customers were treated to great BBQ, nightly entertainment and more fun than should be allowed. The HLS&R runs through the month of March and McKenzie will be in regular attendance, treating clients to many of the star performances each night.

Company Reduces Energy Consumption

HASTINGS, MINN. (Jan. 5, 12;30 p.m. ET)

Intek Plastics Inc. said it has reduced its energy consumption by 17 percent in the first year of its Joint Energy Efficiency Plan (JEEP), a 4-year plan developed in cooperation with Xcel Energy.

The company’s goal is a reduction of 25 percent or 1.5 million kilowatt hours (kwh) by 2014.

“We’ve very intentionally and aggressively modified processes and equipment to substantially reduce our energy use,” said Mike Kinning, president of the Hastings-based profile extruder, in a news release.

Intek’s 125,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Hastings houses more than 20 production lines and nearly 200 employees.

Some of the 2010 projects included:

• Improving the efficiency of the plant’s compressed air system. After indentifying and eliminating air leaks, modifications were made to manufacturing equipment as well as reconfiguring existing air compressors to be able to reduce air pressure from 100 psi to 80 psi. As a result, the company has saved an estimated 628,430 kwh
• Upgrading to more efficient vacuum pumps
• Improving the chilled water controls and shutdown process
• Reconfiguring the cleaning oven cooling system
• Switching to more efficient air nozzles and rings
• Modifying heating, ventilation and air conditioning, such as installing additional air intake and exhaust fans, removing existing rooftop air conditioning units, and eliminating localized space heaters
• Adding occupancy lighting sensors, adjusting thermostats and replacing inefficient vending machines

 

McKenzie Opens a Dallas Branch

On December 27, McKenzie Compressed Air Solutions officially opened its Dallas operations in Plano. Mike Fischer, a twenty-plus year veteran of the compressor industry, heads up the branch plans, sales, and service for the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With plans underway to open a new facility and rapidly grow its sales and service force, Mike, in conjunction with service tech Randy Straub - another long-time employee of the compressor industry, currently provide the needed expertise for the area with assistance from one of McKenzie's numerous Texas branches.

McKenzie Dallas offers many of its major brands including Chicago Pneumatic, Parker, Sullivan Palatek, Pneumatech and Transair. As with all the McKenzie branches, service is available for all makes and models as well as parts for most all major brands.

Mike can be reached at 214-662-8653.

Chicago Pneumatic Compressors To Integrate With BelAire Brand

The integration of BelAire products into the Chicago Pneumatic family of high-performance compressors was unveiled at the 2010 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, Nov. 2-5. As part of this integration, the BelAire sales and service team members will also support the Chicago Pneumatic brand.

“This brand alignment will provide our customers with a number of added efficiencies and technologies, while providing tremendous new opportunities for growth,” said Alfredo Piccolo, vice president of Chicago Pneumatic Compressors in the United States. “If the reaction we received at this year’s SEMA show is an indication of the future, we’re extremely confident the Chicago Pneumatic Quiet Performance (QP) air compressor will be a great success in the U.S.”

The Chicago Pneumatic QP premiered at the 2010 SEMA show as part of the BelAire-Chicago Pneumatic brand integration. The Chicago Pneumatic QP is a full-featured, piston air compressor with a high-performance sound-dampening enclosure which results in some of the lowest noise levels in the industry. The Chicago Pneumatic QP series is available in 5 horsepower and 7.5 horsepower models and features a wide range of performance-enhancing features, including a magnetic starter, low oil level switch, triple-pass pump-mounted aftercooler, automatic tank drain and vibration isolator pads – all backed by a two-year warranty.

“Everyone at BelAire is excited to be part of this evolution and we look forward to the opportunities this channel alignment will bring,” said Rob Little, president of Patriot Marketing, the sales force for BelAire products in the U.S. “Customer choice remains a key component in our business model and customers of both Chicago Pneumatic and BelAire can be assured they will continue to receive the same great products and support they have come to rely on.”

New for 2011, Chicago Pneumatic compressors will transition to the red and black uniform brand look. This new look is being incorporated into the Chicago Pneumatic brand’s extensive range of products, including pneumatic hand tools and portable compressors, as well as a number of construction products, including hammers and drills.

Chicago Pneumatic (CP) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of high-performance tools, hydraulic attachments, industrial and portable compressors and associated accessories and workshop equipment. Since 1901, The CP brand has served the Vehicle Service, Construction and Industrial marketplace.

 

Legris Transair Aluminium Pipe Systems available from Air Compressors Australia

Designed for both primary and secondary distribution of compressed air, vacuum and inert gases and fluids, these aluminium pipe systems reduce energy consumption, improve operational efficiencies, and minimized installation and maintenance costs.

The materials and modular design of the Transair aluminium pipe systems make them easier and less expensive to install than traditional products. For instance, labour accounts for up to 80 percent of a steel system installation, up to 70 percent of a copper system and up to 60 percent of a plastic system while it is only 20 percent of the cost of installing a Transair pipe System.

The ability to reconfigure production layouts or implement process changes quickly is critical. With the Transair aluminium pipe systems reconfiguration only requires the rotation  of the fitting nut 360 degrees and pulling the pipe from the fitting. Also, since the fittings are not soldered or glued, components are reusable, and can be removed then reinstalled. The modular design and handling ease enables plant personnel to implement many layout changes within minutes, instead of hours. This minimizes downtime and increases plant productivity.

Interior pipe corrosion is a common cause of pressure drops and higher maintenance costs in pipe systems. Smooth bore piping, such as plastic and aluminium, resist corrosion. Galvanized and black iron pipe decreases in opening over time. Galvanized and black iron fittings are crudely designed with restrictions to air flow internally. Brass and copper fittings and valves typically have smaller bores than the associated pipe size. Transair pipes will not corrode and the fittings have been designed for compressed air flow with full bore construction.

Durable protection of equipment Transair enables elimination of the problem of rust, usually associated with steel air pipe systems. It guarantees the complete absence of corrosion (self protection by formation of aluminium oxide). The inner surface of aluminium pipe ensures good and constant quality clean air continuously.

Legris Transair aluminium pipe systems  also protect industrial equipment against water deterioration thanks to its quick assembly brackets with integral upward loop.

21.12.2010

 

McKenzie Loses a Valued Service Technician

Robert Owens, a 5-year service technician for McKenzie Compressed Air Solutions, was killed in a motorcycle accident Sunday, October 17. Robert was a dependable and valued member of the McKenzie Service team and will be sorely missed by all - including his customers. He leaves behind 2 daughters and many grieving friends and co-workers. Funeral plans are not available at this time.

 

Compressed Air Provider Earns Breathing Room

Owner took a wheezing operation and put it on a path to growth

By SANDRA BRETTING

HOUSTON CHRONICLE

June 26, 2010

Billy Smith II: Chronicle

Mary Ann McKenzie, owner of McKenzie Compressed Air Solutions, is looking for more growth. "My goal is to adapt this company to whatever changes come along so we'll be here for years and years," she says.

Fifteen years ago, Mary Ann McKenzie found herself in a somewhat common predicament among women working in light industry: Few took her seriously.Especially when she said she wanted to turn around an industrial sales and service company, founded by her grandfather in 1960, that had languished upon his death in 1994.

"About the only one who took me seriously was a banker I met with in the basement of a local bank," McKenzie said. "I told him he could either work with me or let the company fall into bankruptcy, and then he'd get nothing."

What started as a Houston business renting equipment to companies that needed compressed air had fallen into debt, McKenzie said. The death of founder John McKenzie left relatives divided on a path to take. By 1995, Mary Ann McKenzie said she began to buy out family members and eventually took over as sole owner in 2000.

"The first thing I did was start calling on our delinquent receivables," McKenzie said. "For months I called customers to collect was what owed."

McKenzie also restructured the company, whittling its staff from about 70 to 53. She said it had become obvious by 2000 that oil drilling contractors were an untapped market for the company, ironic given that McKenzie's headquarters is in Houston.

Today, oil drilling companies account for a fourth of McKenzie Compressed Air Solutions' customer base. Roughly half its customers are manufacturers that require compressed air to run their factories, with the final fourth made up of hospitals and food processors.

Lots of uses

According to historians, the compressed air industry really took off during the Industrial Revolution. Today, companies use compressed air for everything from blowing dried debris off assembly lines to regulating pressure for instruments and controls, said Lianne Lami, a member of the board of directors at the University of Houston's Small Business Development Center and a licensed professional engineer.

"Air is a compressible fluid, whereas most fluids used in manufacturing are not," Lami said. "It can be tapped into just as if it was water, electricity or another medium of energy. Currently there's a big movement for energy managers to become aware of how much waste there is with this 'hidden utility.' "

Today, McKenzie Compressed Air Solutions takes in about $34 million in annual revenue, McKenzie said. The company maintains a customer database of 14,000 contacts, up from about 2,000 contacts in 2000, she added. The company has branch operations in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Austin and Waco.

By far, the largest office is its headquarters, where roughly a third of the employees work in the service department, a third are involved in sales, and the remainder are in administration.

Half a century

The company recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Looking forward, McKenzie said, she's interested in marketing her products to companies that use nitrogen — including food packagers, laser etchers and wine producers - in addition to those that work with fossil fuels.

"We all know how precarious the energy industry can be, especially since the spill in the Gulf," McKenzie said. "My goal is to adapt this company to whatever changes come along so we'll be here for years and years."

McKenzie said she's not satisfied with how much the company has grown, even though revenue is up from about $106,000 in 1960 to $34 million today.

"I'm never satisfied," McKenzie said. "It sounds corny, but it's really about the journey … the day to day, the year to year. I feel like we need to continuously reach for the next level and continuously try for something more."

McKenzie Wins Numerous Awards & Recognition at Annual Quincy Conference

• Most QGD Sales
• Best Website
• Most Attendees at Annual Quincy Conference
• Recognized for Social Media Presentation

Meet Quincy Compressor (video) - NEW!

Meet Quincy Compressor from Shaun Nelson on Vimeo.

http://vimeo.com/10367305

 

2009 Achievements & Milestones

• McKenzie Compressed Air Solutions 50 Year Anniversary
• Second best year (sales) in McKenzie's history
• #1 Distributor for several major suppliers
• Most sales for a first year Transair distributor
• Service department growth up
• Web sales and inquiries grew at record pace
• 750+ new accounts established
• Launched new compressed air applications for offshore rigs
• Selected to participate in a joint marketing campaign with Quincy and Bauer due to reputation and strength of the McKenzie brand.
• Increased the number of sales and service employees
• No layoffs
• 2 new branches planned for 2010 & 2011
• Successfully prepared for the 2010 launch of several new exclusive product lines statewide
• Increased TOCIFT sponsorship participation

 

McKenzie Compressed Air Solutions is Awarded Top Bauer Distributor Award for 2009

Houston, Mar 14, 2010

 

Bob Sturdy presents the Top Distributor Award to MaryAnn McKenzie       Paul Bennett & Bill Blowey proudly display Bauer Top Distributor Award

Bauer officially recognized and announced McKenzie Compressed Air Solutions as its Top Bauer Distributor for 2009. This distinction is given annually for achieving the highest Bauer sales of any of its distributors. McKenzie - in it's 50th year as a compressed air specialist - was honored to receive the award. Bob Sturdy, the Bauer representative for the Region, presented the plaque to President and CEO, MaryAnn McKenzie who commented, "McKenzie has the best compressed air team and I'm proud of their accomplishments. We continuously strive to go above and beyond what our customers want and expect. I'm also thankful to Bauer for being such a great partner in our business success."

BAUER has been manufacturing high pressure compressors for over 60 years. From our humble beginnings in the BAUER family home in Munich, Germany in 1946 to our current status as an industry leader, BAUER has earned its reputation as the world's foremost innovative designer and manufacturer of high pressure compressors and purification systems.

Since its inception BAUER has expanded internationally with offices in Italy, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Austria, England, France, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, India and the United States. The U.S. facility, BAUER Compressors, Inc. of Norfolk, Virginia was founded in 1976. BAUER Norfolk has experienced continued growth in sales and has expanded to our present 115,000 square foot facility. BAUER Norfolk is headquarters for branch offices in Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Detroit.

 

press release

March 1, 2010, 10:04 a.m. EST

Atlas Copco Completes Acquisition of Quincy Compressor in the United States

STOCKHOLM, Mar 01, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Regulatory News:

Atlas Copco (STO:ATCOA) (STO:ATCOB) today completed the acquisition of Quincy Compressor from EnPro Industries, with the exception of Quincy's Chinese operations, where regulatory approvals from relevant local authorities are still pending.

Quincy Compressor designs and manufactures reciprocating compressors, rotary screw compressors and vacuum pumps, primarily under the Quincy brand. Atlas Copco plans to further develop the Quincy brand independently, in line with the Group's well established brand portfolio strategy. The acquired business had revenues in 2009 of MUSD 125 (MSEK 900) and an operating profit margin of approximately 7%.

"I am pleased that we have obtained the approvals in the United States and can now move forward to further develop the Quincy business," says Stephan Kuhn, President of Atlas Copco's business area Compressor Technique.

Quincy was founded in the 1920s and is headquartered in Bay Minette, Alabama. It has manufacturing facilities in Bay Minette, Quincy, Illinois, and in Kunshan, China. The products are sold through a network of independent distributors and agents. More than three quarters of the sales are in the United States.

Approvals from Chinese authorities are expected during the second quarter.

Atlas Copco discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the Securities Markets Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act.

Atlas Copco is an industrial group with world-leading positions in compressors, construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems. The Group delivers sustainable solutions for increased customer productivity through innovative products and services. Founded 1873, the company is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has a global reach spanning more than 170 countries. In 2009, Atlas Copco had about 30 000 employees and revenues of BSEK 64 (BEUR 6.0). Learn more at www.atlascopco.com.

Atlas Copco's Compressor Technique business area develops, manufactures, markets, and services oil-free and oil-injected stationary air compressors, portable air compressors, gas and process compressors, turbo expanders, electric power generators, air treatment equipment and air management systems. It also offers specialty rental services. It innovates for superior productivity in applications such as manufacturing, construction, and the process industry worldwide. Principal product development and main manufacturing units are in Antwerp, Belgium.

 

Call McKenzie today at 1-800-764-9793 or Use our Contact Form.