Sullair Marks 60 Years with Company Picnic and Public Art Gift

Employees, Families and Community Leaders Join the Celebration

Sullair, now operating under the Hitachi Global Air Power name, reached a major milestone this summer — 60 years of building air compressors in Michigan City, Indiana. On August 11, the company marked the occasion with a large-scale picnic for employees and their families at its headquarters (see photo above!). The event also welcomed regional and international dignitaries, including Masashi Mizobuchi, Consul-General of Japan in Chicago, and Tetsuro Mitani, Executive Director of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago. The gathering honored Sullair’s long manufacturing legacy while recognizing the employees driving the brand into the future. From the press release:

“This anniversary isn’t just about honoring our past — it’s a celebration of the progress we’ve made and the future we are building together,” said Hideki Fujimoto, President and CEO of Hitachi Global Air Power. “For 60 years, our air compressors — proudly assembled in Michigan City, Indiana — have earned a global reputation for reliability and durability. This legacy and milestone are a tribute to the generations of dedicated employees whose hard work, passion, and commitment shaped who we are today. Our future is full of opportunity, and I’m excited for what the next 60 years will bring.”

Public Art Donation to the City

To mark the anniversary, Sullair is funding a public mural for Michigan City. The artwork will be painted by artist Felix Maldonado Jr. and coordinated through the Lubeznik Center for the Arts. The mural will feature imagery celebrating the region’s industrial history and will appear on retaining walls along Michigan Boulevard. The project is scheduled for completion in September 2025.

From a Regional Startup to a Global Brand

Founded in 1965, Sullair quickly built a reputation for durable, innovative air compressors. Its products found use in manufacturing, construction, energy and numerous other industries worldwide. In 2017, Hitachi acquired Sullair as part of a broader strategy to expand its industrial equipment offerings. In 2023, the company rebranded its corporate identity to Hitachi Global Air Power while keeping the Sullair name on compressors. The move unified operations under Hitachi’s global network but preserved the green Sullair branding familiar to contractors, rental houses and distributors.

Investing in the Local Workforce

Sullair’s Michigan City facility remains its primary U.S. manufacturing site. The company employs more than 500 people regionally and has received more than $45 million in investments from Hitachi over recent years. Those funds have supported manufacturing upgrades, facility improvements and workforce development.

Environmental Restoration at Headquarters

Earlier this year, the company launched a major environmental restoration initiative at its headquarters. The multi-year project will convert nearly seven acres of turf into native prairie habitat. The change will reduce emissions from mowing, eliminate irrigation needs and improve biodiversity on site. Native grasses and flowers will support pollinators and enhance soil water absorption. By 2030, the entire project will be complete, creating a self-sustaining habitat in place of traditional lawn.

Moving Toward Cleaner Power Solutions

Sullair’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its campus. The company is pushing forward with electric-powered portable compressors that eliminate on-site emissions and reduce operating noise. The lineup includes:

Sullair OFE1550: The big OFE1550 compressor delivers 1,550 cfm at 125 psi of Class 0 oil free air for purity-critical jobs like food, beverage, bottling and oil and gas. Featuring zero emissions, a Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled (TEFC) motor, Wye-Delta starter and a smart auto-lubrication system, it’s built for harsh environments and easy upkeep. Safety-focused design keeps hazards away from operators, while a 10-in. touchscreen simplifies control.

Sullair E425H: The E425H outputs 425 cfm at 150 psi in a compact, zero-emission design for indoor, outdoor and noise-sensitive sites. An innovative condensate management system eliminates off-site disposal, while swing-out coolers speed cleaning. A 7-in. touchscreen, AirLinx telematics and a thoughtful design that separates hazard zones from work zones improve usability and safety. Ideal for sandblasting, plant backup air and construction jobs where quiet, clean compressed air is essential.

Sullair E1035H: Delivering 1,035 cfm at 150 psi, the E1035H matches diesel performance with quieter, emissions-free operation. Sullair’s exclusive Electronic Spiral Valve tech optimizes output and energy use, while swing-out coolers simplify maintenance. AirLinx enables remote monitoring and diagnostics, and Sullube biodegradable lubricant ensures peak efficiency. Suitable for large industrial and construction jobs.

A Future Built on People, Community and Innovation

By combining community investment, environmental restoration and low-emissions technology, Sullair is positioning itself for the next six decades. The anniversary picnic and mural gift highlight the company’s historical connection to Michigan City, but its new product development underscores its focus on a cleaner, even more progressive future.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.

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