Learn About Rolair

What is the History of Rolair?

Rolair®, originally known as Associate Engineering Corporation (AEC), is a third-generation, family-owned business in Hustisford, Wisconsin. Spawning from the bankruptcy and dissolution of Red Rocket, one of four companies was a compressor company located in Horicon, Wisconsin. Furthermore, AEC was officially incorporated in January 1959.

Having complete confidence in his ability to produce a quality air compressor, former Red Rocket engineer Bob Laumer entered a new phase in his life as owner of AEC. He handled design, sales, and marketing, while former Red Rocket production manager Howard Bluemke handled production, testing, and shipping duties. The ROLAIR® name was born with portable and stationary air compressors being manufactured main products. Barn ventilation fans were also built on site, as the surrounding county was primarily agricultural.

In 1969, the company was purchased by Joe Kelley, who originally operated a metal stamping business that manufactured the saddles used on Rolair® compressors. Then, the company’s products were only sold regionally and mainly consisted of belt-driven portables and a few stationary models.

From 1970 to 1976, sales increased dramatically, forcing the company to relocate to a brand new facility in Hustisford, Wisconsin. Joe’s son, Tim, joined the team in 1977 as sales continued to climb. He would later take over as President after his father’s unexpected passing in July of 1996.

Fast-forward to 2001, when Tim welcomed his son, Mike, to the Rolair® staff. After several years of learning the ropes in the sales department, Mike assumed the position of Vice President in 2005. His commitment and enthusiasm added a whole new dynamic to the future of Rolair®. In his first year as VP, Rolair® experienced a record year for sales.

What was the first product ROLAIR offered?

The company’s first products were belt-driven portable and stationary air compressors. It also manufactured barn ventilation fans for the local agricultural industry.

What is ROLAIR best known for?

Rolair is known for assembling an extensive line of air compressors that have earned an excellent reputation among the residential contracting, industrial, and mechanical industries. Our customers appreciate our attention to detail, rugged performance, and wide variety of options.

How is a ROLAIR air compressor different from others that are also on the market?

Rolair air compressors are designed to withstand the hazards of the jobsite and outlast the competition, providing value year after year. Our sole focus is air compressors and pneumatic accessories.

Most of our belt-driven air compressors are fitted with Italian-built pumps, which feature oversized crankcases filled with synthetic blend pump oil for easier starts and better performance. Foam-filled, flat-free tires ensure you won’t struggle to transport the air compressor around the job site.

What is ROLAIR’s customer segment?

Rolair portable belt-driven and hand-carry air compressors are intended for residential contractors. The line-up comprises models that fit various needs, from individual finish carpenters to large-scale framing and roofing crews. Moreover, our line of gas-powered and electric stationary air compressors is designed with the industrial and automotive industries in mind.

Where are ROLAIR air compressors made?

Every Rolair belt-driven air compressor is assembled at our factory in Hustisford, Wisconsin, which accounts for 132 of the 141 models. The remaining models are imported from several other countries and shipped to our Wisconsin factory, where they undergo a rigorous inspection and testing process.

What is ROLAIR’s warranty?

All Rolair products have a 12-month warranty from the date of purchase, which covers defects in materials and workmanship.

Where and how can a user get a ROLAIR warranty or out-of-warranty service needs?

Since most issues can be resolved quickly and easily over the phone, customers are encouraged to call our Service Department and speak with one of our Regional Service Managers. Moreover, each Service Manager is in charge of a particular region throughout North America, but they all work together to ensure the customer is cared for in the best way possible.

If the issue is more complex, the customer will be directed to an Authorized Rolair service center, where a trained technician can assess the situation and provide a solution. Our distributors often provide in-house service for their customers’ convenience. We also have a Service Center Locator on our website to help end-users find the nearest provider.