ABOUT US
Sullivan-Palatek Inc. was founded over 35 years ago in Michigan City, IN, the “Compressor Capital” of the U.S.A. The company originated as an engineering service provider and has since transformed into manufacturing the most rugged and dependable rotatory screw compressors available on the market today. Sullivan-Palatek focuses on continuous improvement to provide our users with the ultimate product, allowing them to meet the vast variety of compressed air demands. Sullivan-Palatek supports American jobs by assembling the compressors in Northwest Indiana with a local workforce.
Customer service has always been a top priority at Sullivan-Palatek. With well over 1,000 years of experience currently employed, it’s guaranteed a knowledgeable representative will provide the answers you need. Gaining so many years of experience with well under 200 employees is no easy feat, but it is made possible with a company culture that emphasizes promotion from within. Lastly, we pride ourselves on being there when needed most, which is why when you call, we pick up the phone.
Mission Statement
Sullivan-Palatek is committed to continuous improvement, in the compressed air industry, meeting the needs of customers, employees, suppliers, and shareholders in a world of rapid change.
HISTORY
2023 – Holroyd, a well-known manufacturer of precision rotor milling machines in the United Kingdom, was selected by our company to install another machine. Representatives from Sullivan-Palatek visited Holroyd to acquire knowledge about these machines. By adding two Holroyd machines to our production line, our company will be able to effectively double the time dedicated to airend production.
2022 – We are happy to announce the launch of our new Sullivan-Palatek logo as part of the ongoing evolution of our company’s brand to reflect better who we are. We chose a modern logo with key elements conveying our mission and growth orientation while maintaining our longstanding reputation and retaining the iconic and recognizable mark with a bold new look. With this new direction, we merged our parts and service departments into one product support group while combining our industrial and portable inside sales forces to serve our distributors better.
2021 – Bruce McFee, owner of Saylor-Beall Air Compressor transitioned from Chairman to Chief Executive Officer/President of Sullivan-Palatek, Inc.
2020 – After 36 years with Sullivan-Palatek, President Steve Van Loan has decided to retire and depart Indiana for sunny Florida permanently. Steve has been with the company ever since the very beginning and was instrumental in the merger of the Portable (Sullivan) and Industrial (Palatek) divisions.
Throughout the company’s highs and lows, Steve has helped steer us in a forward direction that resulted in the company moving ahead and ultimately becoming successful. We are very grateful to have had someone like him on our team for such a long time. Steve’s camaraderie will be greatly missed, and we wish him nothing but the best in his ‘life after Sullivan-Palatek’.
2020 – The start of the new decade was filled with uncertainty and financial struggle for all. Covid-19 forced shutdowns nationwide, sending our nation into another recession. However, Sullivan-Palatek surged forward continuing to engineer and build several new and innovative products. For the first time in years, the portable 185 CFM compressor was completely redesigned boasting a clamshell composite canopy. And there is still more to come.
2019 – Sullivan-Palatek celebrated it’s 25/35 Anniversary, 35 years as a company and 25 years under the ownership of GHS Corporation. Dealers from around the country arrived in Michigan City to celebrate the occasion.
2019 – The Industrial Electric line of Air Compressor manuals are now available on our SmartEquip eCommercePro system. A promising end to a decade filled with success and struggles alike in the industry.
2018 – Sullivan-Palatek presents a portable compressor with dual pressure/dual capacity of 400/450 CFM, perfectly suited for directional drillers, fiber optics, cable and pipeline work, as well as aquaculture.
2016 – Sullivan-Palatek has TIER 4 Final configuration available in all sizes of engine-driven compressors offered.
2014 – Sullivan-Palatek received the 2014 Pillar of the Industry award from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers by achieving Gold status for supporting the I Make America campaign for the third year.
2013 – Sullivan-Palatek received the 2013 Pillar of the Industry award from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers by achieving Gold status for supporting the I Make America campaign for the second year.
2012 – Sullivan-Palatek received the 2012 Pillar of the Industry award from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers by achieving Gold status for supporting the I Make America campaign.
2010 – The merger of the two divisions into the new facility in Michigan City, Indiana has been successfully completed by Sullivan-Palatek. This strategic decision has allowed us to streamline our operations and consolidate the production of our entire inventory, including portable and industrial compressors, as well as air ends, in a single location.
2008 – In November, equipment and personnel start moving into the new facility.
2007 – Sullivan-Palatek acquired 33 acres of land in Michigan City, Indiana with the intention of constructing our new headquarters. Plans are to combine the electric industrial air compressor division with their diesel driven portable air compressor division in a cutting-edge manufacturing facility spanning 160,000 square feet. The anticipated completion date for this state-of-the-art facility is October 2008.
2004 – Sullivan-Palatek persists in developing groundbreaking designs, introducing new variable speed drive compressors VFD, and consistently surpassing competitors by providing greater air capacity at higher pressures. The “Ultimate Performance Rotary Screw Air Compressor” is offered in a range of sizes from 5-1800 cfm, with options for both electric and diesel drive. Additionally, Sullivan-Palatek offers a comprehensive selection of accessory items including air dryers, air filters, and condensate management systems.
1998 – Both the electric and portable compressor companies joined together under the trade name Sullivan-Palatek.
1998 – GHS Corporation purchases Sullivan Industries, a Portable Air Compressor Division.
1994 – Following the sudden passing of Don Hoodes, the ownership of the company transitions to GHS Corporation, the renowned owner of Saylor-Beall Manufacturing, a prominent manufacturer specializing in piston compressors.
1991 – The “Ultimate Performance Rotary Screw Air Compressor” is introduced.
1990 – Other former key Sullair employees join the company. Concept to launch a new line of high efficient rotary screw air compressors.
1988 – Don Hoodes, the former CEO of Sullair Corp., has joined our company with the vision of supplying the market with a field-assembled kit compressor concept.
1984 – Started as Palatek Corporation Concept to supply engineering services to existing air compressor companies.