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N. Syracuse Manufacturer Marks Milestone, Plans for the Future
Air Innovations has grown from a small local manufacturer into a global business, selling its products in 74 countries organizations. Some of its clients include NASA, Blue Origin and SpaceX. By Stefan Yablonski [caption id=attachment_11117 align=alignright width=450] Michael Wetzel, president and CEO, and his father, Larry, who currently is an adviser to the board of directors. Larry served as the chairman of the board until 2024, when the company was acquired by Altus Capital Partners, a private equity firm.[/caption] Air Innovations in North Syracuse hopes to add more employees and possibly even expand its facility in the near future. The company is a global leader in designing and building environmental process control systems for applications that can’t be addressed with standard HVAC equipment, according to Michael Wetzel, president and CEO. “We customize solutions for temperature, humidity, filtration and pressurization, with additional capabilities in direct-expansion, chilled-water and thermoelectric technologies. Our business now is entirely focused on specialty or niche markets.” Air Innovations celebrated its 40th anniversary on Sept. 18, marking four decades of doing business, manufacturing products and growing in Central New York. In the beginning [caption id=attachment_11138 align=alignright width=451] A worker, Ezzy Salehi, tests a Wine Guardian condenser unit at Air Innovations.[/caption] “A guy by the name of Jim Kelley started the business [known as Floratech] in 1986. It was focused on refrigerated display cases for supermarket fresh flowers,” Wetzel said. “My father [Larry] started Clean Room Technology in the early 1980s, then sold that to a French company called Clestra Cleanroom. “My father and I bought Floratech in 1996 — 30 years ago, 10 years after it was started. Then in 1999, Floratech bought a portion of Clestra and their building. At that point everything was still called Floratech. But, as that was not reflective of the diversity of the business, we rebranded as Air Innovations in 2001.” The company rebranded to pursue a strategy of diversification in specialty HVAC systems. Wetzel explained that since then, it has become a trusted global partner, earning the President’s “E” Award for Exports and securing contracts in the most demanding fields, including aerospace, defense and semiconductor manufacturing. Air Innovations has grown from a small local manufacturer into a global business, selling nearly 70,000 units in 74 countries and territories and developing custom environmental control systems for companies and organizations including NASA, Blue Origin and SpaceX. “We work with all the big names you ever heard of and some you never heard of,” Wetzel added. The Wetzels sold the business two years ago to Altus Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on control investments in lower middle-market, niche manufacturing companies in North America. Founded in 2003, Altus Capital Partners’ headquarters is in Wilton, Connecticut, with an additional office in Lincolnshire, Illinois. “They are an equity firm. Both my father and I both maintain a small minority share. I am going to continue to be involved. I call myself a part-time CEO. I will continue that role for the foreseeable future; I don’t see any change there.” Building to the future “We are at 58 employees right now, which is a little bit down. We had a high of 70. That moves along with the activity we have,” Wetzel said. “We’ll start ramping up here in the fourth quarter into next year. More than 20% of our employees have been with the company for more than a decade. “I am fairly certain that sometime in the next several years we are going to have to enlarge the footprint of our facility and for sure we are going to have to add employees. We already are. We are probably going to have to add five or six people next year. We are always in the market for HVAC technicians; we always need those.” Air Innovations will remain in Central New York, with its current workforce staying in place, he added. “I believe the primary driver of our success over time is the diversity of our business which is a direct result of our willingness to tackle new challenges,” Wetzel said.
Wilton business damaged by Monday afternoon fire
The cause of the fire and extent of damage are still unknown at this time.
Wilton medical office changes hands for $1.8M
Riverside Common, a 8,642-square-foot medical office in Wilton, has sold for $1.8 million, according to town land and property records.
Elements of ownership
Employee co-op takes over Wilton publisher Earth Sky + Water as founder retires
Future Warriors clinics connect Wilton youth to sports - Monadnock Ledger-Transcript
Wilton Junior Athletic Association hosted Future Warriors Summer Clinics for 3rd to 6th graders to build skills and teamwork.
Wilton Manors business group steps up support for LGBTQ community
As Pride Month came to a close, many community leaders pointed to corporations, saying a growing number have pulled their sponsorships from Pride events amid the current political climate.
Wilton Simpson continues adding to re-election war chest despite weak competition
The egg farmer from Trilby flipped FDACS from blue to red four years ago.
Tomb Raider's new star reveals her 'classic' and 'unapologetic' approach to Lara Croft
Alex Wilton Regan wants to bring out Lara Croft's confident side again
Wilton Simpson backs ‘principled conservative’ Liesa Priddy in HD 82
'Liesa understands what it takes to safeguard Florida’s family farms, defend private property rights, and preserve our rural communities.'
Wilton House member pleads guilty to campaign finance violations
House Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford) is calling for Hall’s resignation.
Crews respond to fire at Wilton business
Firefighters were called to the fire on Main Street on Sunday.
Wilton Rancheria expands Sacramento stadium project to $450M sports and entertainment venue
Wilton Rancheria and Sacramento Republic FC plan a $450 million, 20,000-seat stadium in downtown Sacramento, expanding the tribe’s investment in sports, entertainment and real estate development.
Honorable mentions on the list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians: Josie Tomkow, Wilton Simpson and Jay Collins
All 3 face voters at the ballot box this year, but only 2 have uncertain political futures.
Sky River's Five-Story Parking Garage Opens, Advancing Entertainment and Tribal Development in Elk Grove
Sky River Casino has now opened its new five‑story parking structure, an investment that strengthens Wilton Rancheria’s long‑term economic development strategy that is firmly rooted in the Tribe’s resilience and vision for future generations. Featuring 1,600 parking stalls across 681,263 square feet, the structure seamlessly connects with the recently expanded 20,000‑square‑foot gaming floor through an […]
Police: Man arrested after trespassing at Wilton Manors business, loitering at private residence
A 53-year-old man was arrested Wednesday after he violated a no trespass order at a bar in Wilton Manors, authorities said.
Wilton Simpson backs Kelly Ann Walker in crowded HD 74 GOP Primary
'His support reflects our common focus on growing Florida’s agricultural economy, standing up for rural communities, and defending the Free State of Florida.'
Legislative Days: A fruitful week for Citrus County
'The trip to Tallahassee for Legislative Days was a great opportunity to showcase Citrus County.'
Wilton Simpson offers personalized certificates recognizing Santa's imminent entry into Florida
Simpson called it 'a reminder that Florida always cherishes its families and traditions.'
Lara Croft actress Camilla Luddington bids farewell to Tomb Raider, as Alix Wilton Regan teases "we're just getting started"
Tomb Raider's Lara Croft actress Camilla Luddington has passed her bow and arrows to Alix Wilton Regan with a farewell post to the character.