The History of Cameron's Compression Systems Group

Reciprocating Products History (1833 – 2001)

Compression Systems' reciprocating products business has an extensive and fascinating history dating back to 1833. At this time in American History, the Industrial Revolution was just coming to an end when two entrepreneurs, Charles and Elias Cooper, established a foundry in the city of Mt Vernon, Ohio. This foundry, named Cooper, became the licensed producer of Corliss Steam engines throughout the mid and late 1800’s. Stemming from the success of the Corliss Steam engine, the company ventured into the production of natural gas internal combustion engines in 1900. Twenty-nine years later, this venture led to the merger of Cooper and the Bessemer Gas Engine Company of Grove City, PA which would ultimately result in the development of the legendary Cooper-Bessemer engine.

In effort to further diversify the company’s product portfolio, Cooper purchased three compressor companies between 1960 and 1976: Ajax Engine Company, Pennsylvania Process Compressor, and White Superior. Three additional aftermarket acquisitions were made during the 1987 – 2001 time period and included the Enterprise Power Engine aftermarket business, Nickles Industrial Manufacturing and the Elliot Turbocharger Group (TSI).

Centrifugal Products History (1955 - 2001)

In 1955, Joy Manufacturing Co. consisted of only four engineers. Their office, located above a hardware store in Western New York, was the scene where they drafted designs of various types of turbo-machinery. In short time, the company purchased land in Cheektowaga, NY which became the site of their Research and Development facility. From 1955-1960, the four engineers designed, developed and experimented with gas turbines, steam turbines, axial flow compressors, in-line centrifugal compressors and integral gear centrifugal compressors.

After five years of experimentation, Joy Manufacturing Co. narrowed its focus on the design and manufacturing of an integral gear centrifugal compressor, and the MSG (multi-staged gear) models were introduced to the market. These models were primarily sold for plant air applications. Throughout the 1970’s, the company experienced a significant amount of growth domestically. During this time, Joy Manufacturing discovered a market niche and began to engineer custom compressors for refinery applications and the air separation industry.

The 1980’s signaled rapid changes and new development for Joy Manufacturing. These changes included the development and introduction of a low cost plant air compressor, the utilization of computer-based design software and a substantial manufacturing facility expansion.

In 1987, Joy Manufacturing Co. was acquired by Cooper Industries, and the Cooper Turbo-Compressor division was formed. This acquisition marked the end of the JOY name and kicked off an era of extensive new product development. As a result of substantial investments, new manufacturing tools were purchased, test facilities were enhanced, and computer equipment was upgraded. These improvements gave way to the creation of the TurboAir 2000 plant air compressor and new high-performance MSG compressors for the air separation industry.

Compression Systems (2001 - Present)

Through the period of the 1970's to 2001, the abovementioned companies were all divisions within either Cooper Energy Services or Cooper Turbocompressor. In 2001, Cooper Energy Services and Cooper Turbocompressor joined together to form Cooper Compression, which was later named Compression Systems in 2005.

Today, Cameron's Compression Systems division is headquartered in a 308,000 sq. ft. super facility at the Port Northwest industrial business park in Houston, TX. This facility houses Superior compressor manufacturing, TA-2020 centrifugal air compressor assembly, compressor repair centers and machine shops, a 100,000 square foot warehouse and distribution center, and nearly 100,000 square feet of office space that includes a comprehensive customer support call center. Our centrifugal compressor factory is still located in Buffalo, NY. In addition to these two major facilities, we also have a host of other service and manufacturing facilities which are located strategically throughout the world.

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