Air-Way Global Manufacturing: Celebrating 75 Years of Innovation
Friday, December 20, 2024
This year marks a monumental milestone—75 years of business at Air-Way Global Manufacturing! From our humble beginnings in 1950 to becoming a leader in hydraulic fittings with long-standing relationships with several tier 1 OEMs, we’ve always been driven by innovation and a commitment to quality.
As we reflect on our past, we also look forward to an even brighter future—while staying true to our roots and old-fashioned, hard work values.
A Legacy of Innovation
Air-Way was founded in 1950, in an old airplane hangar in Romeo, Michigan. The company was born from a simple yet powerful vision: to solve the challenges of hydraulic systems by providing high-quality hydraulic fittings and adapters. From these humble beginnings, Air-Way quickly became a trusted name in the industry.
Throughout the years, Air-Way has introduced key innovations in manufacturing and technology that have set us apart from others in the industry. A standout moment came in 1986 when Air-Way launched the FLARE-O® Tube Fittings, an elastomeric seal that provides a leakproof, drop-in replacement for 37º SAE/JIC flared tube fittings. This innovation has stood the test of time and is still available today!
Growing Globally
What started as a U.S.-based operation soon expanded to the global stage. In the 21st century, Air-Way has strategically grown its presence through key international partnerships and new manufacturing facilities.
-
2001: Air-Way acquired Air-Way Canada: Pacific Hose & Fittings, broadening its reach in Canada and across North America.
-
2005: Air-Way expanded into the global market by establishing Air-Way Pacific Manufacturing (Shandong) Co., Ltd. in Shandong, China, streamlining its global supply chain to better serve international customers.
-
2007: The merger of Air-Way’s Auburn and Waterloo, Indiana facilities into a single, more efficient location in Hamilton, Indiana, helped streamline operations and improve customer delivery performance.
-
2016: In response to the growing demand in the southeastern U.S., Air-Way opened the Hydra-Flex Hose and Fitting Solutions Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, reinforcing our commitment to providing quality hydraulic and pneumatic hose assemblies and fittings.
“I believe flexibility and support are key factors for our success. This attitude benefits our employees and customers as well,” said Sales and Marketing Representative, Lynn Lyman.
The People Behind the Success
The heart of Air-Way’s success lies in our people. Many of our employees have been with us for decades, and several generations of families have contributed to our growth. We’re proud to be a company where employees truly feel like family.
At Air-Way, we believe in investing in our people. We’re committed to creating a workplace where innovation and teamwork thrive, and we truly value the long-term relationships we’ve built with our team.
As John Hamm, President of Manufacturing and Engineering, said, “not a one of us is as smart as all of us.”
Adapting to Change
Over the past 75 years, Air-Way has successfully navigated countless industry shifts, economic downturns, and global events like recessions and pandemics. Our ability to adapt and innovate, and take care of our people, has been key to our ongoing success.
By continuously improving our manufacturing processes, expanding our service offerings, and staying ahead of technological advancements, we’ve been able to maintain customer trust and stay at the forefront of the hydraulic fittings industry.
We are always looking for ways to improve and provide the best solutions for our customers, no matter the challenge.
Looking Ahead: The Next 75 Years
As we look to the next 75 years, we’re focused on continuing to innovate, invest in sustainable manufacturing, and lead the way in the hydraulic fitting industry. We’re excited about what’s ahead, and our dedication to offering cutting-edge solutions will remain at the core of everything we do.
“While we continue to expand our global footprint, investing domestically in manufacturing technology is a cornerstone of our strategy,” said Mark Place, VP of Business Development.
We’re not just looking to the future for ourselves—we’re always thinking about how we can support our customers and help them succeed in their industries.
A Thank-You to All
As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our employees, customers, and partners who have supported us throughout the years. Without your dedication and trust, none of this would have been possible.
We invite you to join in the celebration—share your stories with us and follow us on social media to stay connected with our journey. Here’s to the next 75 years!
-
Identifying Hydraulic Hose Fittings: A Comprehensive Guide to Precision and Performance
When it comes to hydraulic systems, precision is key. Choosing and identifying the correct fitting may seem complex, but...
READ MORE -
Discover the 5 Key Benefits of Choosing Air-Way as Your Supplier
When it comes to selecting a supplier for hydraulic equipment, you need a partner that doesn’t just talk the talk, but...
READ MORE -
Unveiling the FAQs: Your Top 5 Questions Answered by Air-Way Global Manufacturing
In the world of hydraulic fittings and adapters, there are a variety of questions we often get asked, from both our customers and those just interested in learning more. At Air-Way Global Manufacturing, we pride ourselves on providing clear, concise answers to our customers’ most pressing inquiries.
READ MORE
