The AAF and Flanders Group of Companies
AAF Flanders, the world’s largest manufacturer of air filtration solutions, operates production, warehousing and distribution facilities in 22 countries across four continents. With its global headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, AAF Flanders is committed to protecting people, processes and systems through the development and manufacturing of the highest quality air filters, filtration equipment and containment housings available today.
AAF Flanders was formed in April 2016, when American Air Filter Co. Inc., doing business as AAF International, acquired Flanders Corp., now a wholly owned subsidiary. The combined company offers comprehensive, innovative air filtration solutions designed to remove and control airborne particulates and gaseous contaminants in residential, commercial, industrial, cleanroom, transportation and nuclear power applications.
AAF Flanders is supported in our international ventures through the resources of our parent company, Daikin Industries Ltd., based in Osaka, Japan, a diversified international manufacturing company and a global leader in air conditioning.
Our Rich History
While AAF is an international company, our global headquarters remain in Louisville, where it was founded in the 1920’s. Bill Reed, a skilled engineer and entrepreneur, developed the Reed Air Filter in 1921. This creative filter solution for the automobile industry would establish the foundation for what is today a global leader in air filtration. His concept was so successful, Reed joined forces with seven other firms to create American Air Filter Co. in 1929. Major company milestones include providing filters for 21 types of Allied aircraft during World War II, and supplying environmental control equipment for underground launch sites and control centers for ballistic missiles during the 1960’s.
Founded in Washington, North Carolina, Flanders has expertly designed and manufactured air filtration solutions for commercial and residential HVAC systems, semiconductor manufacturing, chemical, biological, radiological and material processing, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals since 1950. It is also one of the largest manufacturers of high-efficiency filters and filtration systems used by nuclear plants. An example of Flanders’ leadership in that market segment occurred in 2011, when the company was asked to provide air filters that enabled U.S. Air Force aircraft to aid Japan after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.
Looking to the Future
n September 2016, AAF Flanders further demonstrated our commitment to revolutionizing air filtration with the opening of our Clean Air Innovation & Research Center in Jeffersonville, Indiana. The center represents a significant advancement in research, development and testing efforts for both AAF Flanders and the global air filtration industry. Our Clean AIR Center engineers and scientists are bringing the next generation of high-performance air filtration products and equipment to market.
A pioneer in clean air innovation for nearly 100 years, AAF Flanders is just getting started. With our combined resources and expertise, we will continue to lead global initiatives that increase productivity, improve processes and protect public health for the next 100 years.
