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Gardner Denver and its family of renowned brands look back on a proud history - from the beginnings in the mid-1800s as the manufacturer of the Flyball Governor, the first effective speed controls for steam engines, to the presence as a global corporation with a diversified product portfolio and operations in over 30 countries. At the same time, we are focused on the future, driven to further raise the bar.
Use the interactive timeline below to scroll through Gardner Denver's historic milestones or click on the "Read more" icons to explore our history in more depth.
Invention of the Flyball Governor, the first effective speed controls for steam engines. Foundation of Gardner Governor Co.
Robert Gardner invents the first effective speed controls for steam engines, known as the Flyball Governor. Foundation of the Gardner Governor Company in Quincy, Illinois, USA, on the banks of the Mississippi.
More than 150,000 Governors are sold across the USA and Canada.
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German-based Elmo is granted the Imperial Patent for the world's first liqid ring vacuum pump.
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Launch of the first vacuum cleaner using an Elmo pump.
Karl Wittig develops patent for sliding vane compressor; five years later licensed as "System Wittig"
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Gardner Governor Co. merges with Denver Rock Drill Co. to form Gardner Denver.
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German Werner Rietschle founds Werie, soon knowns for its oil-lubricated and oil-free rotary vane vacuum technology.
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Continued expansion in North America through several periods of acquisitions.
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UK-based Drum introduces world's first mass-produced, oil-free 2.5 bar compressor fot the transport industry.
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First Elmo side channel blower introduced.
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UK-based CompAir is founded.
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Public listing as Gardner Denver, Inc. on the NYSE.
Further global expansion through wave of acquisitions, including renowned brands CompAir, Elmo, Rietschle, Tamrotor, and Robuschi.
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Gardner Denver has firmly established itself as a global provider of compressed air and vacuum technology.
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