Air Power Manufacturing Solutions, founded by William Ball, had an unassuming start that would later become a benchmark in the industrial manufacturing sector. The journey began with William selling sanders and spray guns out of the back of his car to the local furniture industry in High Point, North Carolina, in the heart of what was and still is the furniture capital of the world. Despite starting small, Air Power’s innovative approach and strong customer relationships propelled it into a well-established company that has expanded its operations across North America and beyond.
Over the years, the company has grown from a small distributor of industrial equipment to a provider of cutting-edge manufacturing solutions. From its early days of selling simple spray guns and sanders, Air Power now offers highly advanced automation systems and a range of services including equipment repair, project coordination, and custom solutions designed to increase efficiency for manufacturers across various sectors.
On the grow
Since its inception, Air Power has strategically expanded its presence, leveraging both organic growth and acquisitions to serve customers across a broader geographic area. From its central hub in High Point, North Carolina, the company began expanding into nearby states, adding branch locations in Virginia, South Carolina, and beyond. In the late 2010s, Air Power made its first major acquisitions, purchasing companies in Georgia and Florida, which further solidified its presence in key regions.
In recent years, Air Power has continued to grow, acquiring a company in Baltimore during the pandemic and relocating it to Pennsylvania to better serve its expanding customer base. Recently, the company strategically expanded into Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, a move that strengthens Air Power’s commitment to driving manufacturing innovation in these key regions. “We are thrilled to expand our reach and bring our comprehensive range of solutions to these new markets,” said Dan Senff, President of Air Power, in a news release. “This expansion represents an exciting opportunity to provide our customers with unparalleled service, innovative products, and an enhanced experience. Our team is ready to hit the ground running, delivering the same high-quality service our partners know and trust.”
Today, the company operates across a number of states, from Pennsylvania to Florida and westward to Texas, with international operations in Monterrey, Mexico serving clients in the industrial hub of Saltillo.
The company’s reach goes beyond just geographic expansion. With its services not restricted to any one sector, Air Power serves a wide array of industries, including aerospace, military contracting, off-road and on-road vehicle manufacturing, and the truck and bus sector. Through this diversification, Air Power has built a robust foundation that allows it to provide versatile solutions for customers worldwide.
A commitment to service
The team’s commitment to providing comprehensive solutions is reflected in its range of key services, all designed with the customer in mind. The company’s approach to customer service starts with its account managers, who are paired with specialists that have deep expertise in specific areas such as paint lines, assembly cells, dispense applications, and robotic automation. This unique combination allows Air Power not only to sell equipment but also to actively help customers solve their operational bottlenecks and enhance their manufacturing processes.
Indeed, the company goes above and beyond the initial sale with its robust bench and field service offerings. These services ensure that equipment remains in optimal condition, minimizing downtime and maximizing uptime. Whether it’s routine maintenance or urgent repairs, Air Power’s commitment to service ensures that customers experience the least amount of disruption to their operations.
A key differentiator for Air Power is its in-house engineering team, which designs custom solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing manufacturing systems. This capability is particularly valuable for businesses looking to enhance their production lines with automation and specialized equipment tailored to their needs. The company’s engineering team works closely with clients to develop and implement solutions that drive efficiency and productivity.
Another crucial aspect of Air Power’s service offering is its project coordination team, which ensures that every customer project is executed flawlessly. From the moment an order is placed, the team manages everything, including equipment procurement, staging, assembly, testing, and installation. This high level of project oversight ensures that customers enjoy a smooth, seamless experience throughout the entire process.
To maintain industry standards and ensure that equipment operates within required specifications, Air Power also provides calibration services both in-house and on-site. This commitment to calibration and compliance is vital for manufacturers who need to meet stringent operational standards.
The company offers three specialized customer labs at its High Point, North Carolina facility, which provide a controlled environment where customers can test equipment before making a purchase. With dedicated spaces for dispensing, finishing, and fastening, the labs allow clients to ensure that the equipment they choose is the best fit for their specific needs, giving them confidence in their purchasing decisions. Together, these services showcase Air Power’s dedication to not only selling equipment but also providing comprehensive, customer-centered solutions that support long-term success and operational excellence.
Embracing automation
As the manufacturing industry continues to evolve, Air Power has embraced digital automation and data-driven solutions. In today’s competitive market, repeatability and profitability go hand in hand, and data plays a crucial role in achieving both. Air Power utilizes cloud-based systems and MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) to track, monitor, and analyze data, allowing customers to make more informed decisions about their operations.
One key advantage of automation is its ability to improve efficiency and reduce waste. As Jai Armitage, Marketing Director at Air Power, says, “Repeatability is profitability.” Automation, combined with data analysis, enables manufacturers to consistently achieve the same high-quality results, improving productivity while minimizing the cost of operations.
Air Power’s ability to provide automation solutions, ranging from robotic spray applicators to complete finishing systems, has made it a trusted partner for companies looking to streamline their operations and increase their production capabilities.
A strong team
At the heart of Air Power Manufacturing Solutions is a team of dedicated professionals, each contributing to the company’s ongoing success with their unique expertise and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. As President of Air Power Manufacturing Solutions, Dan Senff plays a key role in setting the overall direction for the company. With a focus on people, partnerships, and products, he emphasizes the importance of a culture built on trust, transparency, and customer-centricity. Under his leadership, Air Power has maintained long-standing relationships with customers since its founding in 1967, a testament to the company’s commitment to always doing right by its clients.
“We hire for character and train for skill,” says Senff, reflecting on the company’s hiring philosophy. This approach ensures that its teams are composed of individuals who align with the company’s values, fostering a strong sense of community and dedication. Senff also highlights the importance of staying true to the company’s mission statement: “We don’t grow just for the sake of growth. We grow because we can be a partner in the community, ensuring sustainability and long-term success.”
Kevin Averette, Operations Leader, oversees both the operations and competencies within Air Power, managing several critical teams that support the company’s broader goals. His responsibilities span warehouse operations, inventory management, and purchasing, ensuring that the day-to-day operations run smoothly while maintaining a focus on the customer experience. “Having application engineers on each team is like having subject matter experts at the core of our strategy,” Averette explains. “They are the ones who really make a difference when it comes to delivering solutions that align with the customer’s needs and manufacturing process.”
The application engineers play a pivotal role in providing deep product knowledge and expertise. With 20-plus engineers within these teams, they are instrumental in creating lasting value by consistently applying the right equipment and resources to customer projects.
Kyle Crawford, Sales and Marketing Manager, emphasizes the company’s culture, stating, “We all work for a living, but we also don’t live to work.” The company places a strong emphasis on work-life balance and the well-being of its team members, creating a positive and supportive work environment where employees are motivated to go above and beyond.
In addition, Air Power fosters a culture of continuous improvement and learning. The company invests heavily in training for its employees, ensuring that account managers, engineers, and customer service teams are always up to date on the latest technologies and manufacturing trends. This commitment to training is reflected in the company’s growth and its ability to remain at the forefront of innovation.
Standing apart
The key to Air Power’s success lies not only in its depth of expertise but also in its collaborative approach. Application engineers work closely with the sales teams to ensure that each solution is tailored to the customer’s process, and the close-knit nature of the company ensures that all employees, from engineers to account managers, are aligned in delivering superior value to the customer.
“We’re different from our competitors because we can provide a comprehensive solution, pulling together multiple competencies to address complex manufacturing needs,” says Averette. “Customers don’t have to deal with multiple vendors; they can rely on us for all their needs.”
The company’s strong culture, centered around family values, trust, and employee well-being, plays a critical role in this success. “We focus on people first,” says Senff, underscoring how internal relationships and the well-being of employees directly contribute to the company’s long-term partnerships with clients.
As the manufacturing industry becomes more interconnected, Air Power’s vision is to expand its reach both geographically and technologically. The company is exploring expansion into new regions, including the western U.S., while continuing to grow its presence in key markets such as Mexico. As the global economy becomes more integrated, Air Power is well-positioned to support manufacturers anywhere in the world.
Certainly, Air Power Manufacturing Solutions has come a long way from its humble beginnings, and its growth reflects the company’s dedication to customer service, innovation, and a strong, supportive culture. With a focus on providing complete, tailored solutions from equipment sales to engineering and field service, Air Power has become a trusted partner for manufacturers looking to enhance their operations and embrace automation. It stands out as a company that understands the importance of both expertise and culture in driving lasting success, and continues to thrive because of its strong, cohesive team and its focus on delivering exceptional service.
As the company continues to expand its capabilities and geographic footprint, it is clear that Air Power is poised for continued success in the evolving manufacturing landscape.
