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Airmo Inc. Pressure Technologies Celebrates 80 Years

In 2026, Airmo Inc. Pressure Technologies proudly marks its 80th anniversary, a significant milestone for a company that has become synonymous with excellence in high-pressure technology manufacturing. Established in 1946 by George A. Smida and his business partner John Rodgers, Airmo started its journey in humble surroundings, focused on hydraulic equipment specifically designed for plastic tubes.

As the years passed, Airmo evolved, expanding its product offerings to include high-pressure systems, tools, and components essential for various applications such as hydrostatic testing, end forming, and tube expansion. The company serves a diverse array of industries, notably Aerospace, Defense, Energy, HVAC, Oil and Gas, Refrigeration, and Subsea.

The evolution of Airmo can be traced through the leadership of its founding family. In 1959, Smida took full ownership of the business segment focused on pumps, valves, and tools. By the late 1960s, his son, George R. Smida, took the reins, moving operations from a small 800-square-foot garage to a more expansive 3,600-square-foot facility in Blaine to accommodate the rapid growth of the company.

The transition to the third generation of leadership came in 2003 when Chuck Smida assumed the presidency. Under his stewardship, Airmo has seen considerable growth, particularly in the aerospace sector. This growth necessitated a move to a larger 14,000-square-foot facility in Coon Rapids, which was built in 1988 by George R. Smida to support the company's increasing capabilities.

The year 2025 stood out as Airmo’s most successful year yet, with record sales paving the way for unprecedented growth in 2026. The company now counts 12 of the top 20 space exploration companies globally as clients and played a pivotal role in supplying testing tools for the Artemis II launch, one of the key milestones in modern aerospace.

In addition to aerospace, Airmo is experiencing sustained growth in the manufacturing of HVAC systems and subsea oil and gas solutions. Chuck Smida remarked, "Reaching our 80th year as a third-generation, family-led company is a testament to the values and craftsmanship that have guided Airmo since 1946. Honoring our legacy while delivering the strongest revenue in our history shows that our commitment to innovation, customer partnership, and long-term thinking continues to drive meaningful results for our customers and our team. 80 years is just the beginning."

Airmo Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a premier manufacturer of patented high-pressure technology equipment. Their innovative products support a wide range of industries that involve tubes and pipes in their manufacturing processes. For more information on Airmo's offerings and history, visit www.airmo.com.

As Airmo Inc. looks toward the future, it remains committed to its founding principles while seeking new opportunities for growth, innovation, and excellence in high-pressure technology for decades to come.