About Allenair
The Allenair Corporation was started in 1945 by Alton K. Allen and was known as “A. K. Allen Co.” while working out of a rented basement in Brooklyn, NY.
Humble Beginnings
Everything started with a worn-out lathe and a used drill press. Alton began making air cylinder parts for various companies. After acquiring an engineering degree from Columbia University, Alton used his new knowledge to design a rotary index table powered pneumatically with an old hydraulic cylinder. This was the start of the Allenair Corp in 1947. This rotary index table was used in ammunition plants to speed up the manufacturing of bullets.
Growing and Expanding
It wasn’t long before Alton outgrew the basement. The company moved in and out of a few different locations around New York until 1953, when it settled on East Second Street in Mineola, NY and started building pneumatic and low pressure hydraulic cylinders. After this move, Allenair started selling products through distribution channels. Some of the first were Isaacs Fluid Power and Airoyal Company, who remain valued distributors and partners to this day.
Moving Through the Twentieth Century
Allenair continued to grow. Some notable highlights include:
1955
The Allenair Valve-in-Head cylinder was designed and built. During this time, they also designed the ¼, ⅜, and ½ inch valve lines.
1960
The Cyl-Check was designed to compete with the Hydro Check of Schrader Bellows company.
1965
Allenair was the first company to develop a 100% all stainless steel pneumatic cylinder. This was done for Eastman Kodak to be used in the 35 mm film slitting machines.
1972
Allenair designed and developed a 2 and 3 way valve line to compete with Peter Paul and Automatic Switch Company.
1975
The tandem and back to back cylinders were introduced.
1980
4-way direct acting valves were introduced.
1990
Threaded stainless steel cylinders were designed to work in food applications where wash down was present.
2000
Transducer cylinders were designed so customers could know where the rod was anywhere down their linear length.
New Beginnings
In 2017, Allenair was purchased by Alkon Corporation and relocated to Fremont, Ohio, where it remains today. The unique positioning of Alkon Corporation within the pneumatic industry created a perfect pairing for the Allenair product lines. Both companies have a long-standing tradition of designing and building high-quality products. Engineered to Perform and Made to Last!