Our Story

FS-Curtis: One of America’s First Air Compressor Manufacturers, Innovating Since 1854

For over 170 years, FS-Curtis has proudly called St. Louis, Missouri home — right in the heart of America, where we’ve consistently set and surpassed the standard for the world of compressed air. As one of the first manufacturers of air compressors in the United States, our legacy is built on a foundation of innovation, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Our story began in 1854 with a simple yet bold mission: to produce high-quality, world-class industrial equipment that businesses could depend on. By 1897, we made history with the introduction of the iconic Masterline air compressor — a product that redefined durability and performance and remains a trusted solution even today.
For generations, FS-Curtis’ products have proven their unmatched value and reliability, earning us a reputation for building the most rugged, industrial-duty compressors in the industry. Our rotary screw and oil-free compressor series continue that tradition, delivering energy-efficient solutions designed to meet the evolving demands of modern industry.

At FS-Curtis, our success is driven by a professional engineering team and a network of factory-trained distributors dedicated to providing comprehensive compressed air solutions. We are committed to innovation and sustainability while remaining devoted to the customer-first values that have guided us since the beginning.

From supporting small businesses to powering large-scale operations, FS-Curtis continues to empower industries with superior air compression solutions that embody our enduring tradition of excellence.
Discover the legacy of performance and innovation — contact an authorized FS-Curtis distributor today to learn more.

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1800s: The Rise of Industrial Ingenuity or 1800s: Pioneering the Future of Manufacturing

Our legacy begins in 1854, when a company named Empire Saw Works employed a determined and visionary clerk by the name of Frank Curtis. Within a few short years, Frank and his father took ownership of the company, renaming it Curtis & Hiles in 1858. Their entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for a dynamic manufacturing business.

As the company grew and adapted to meet market demands, it underwent another transformation, becoming Curtis & Co. By the late 19th century, St. Louis had emerged as a major hub of industrial innovation, with Curtis & Co. playing a pivotal role. The city, including Curtis & Co., was responsible for producing over 80% of the nation’s saws and sawmill machinery, earning it a reputation as an essential part of America’s industrial backbone.

As technological advances reshaped the manufacturing landscape, Curtis & Co. evolved its product range. The company rebranded once again as Curtis and Company Manufacturing Company to reflect its broader production capabilities. By the late 1800s, the company was crafting an impressive array of products, including:

• Water-cooled compressors
• Pneumatic cylinders for elevators
• Hand-powered traveling cranes

Among their groundbreaking innovations, Curtis and Company designed and engineered the first-ever high-pressure car wash in the United States, a testament to their forward-thinking approach to industrial solutions.

A defining milestone came in 1897, when Curtis launched the Masterline (ML) series air compressors, setting a benchmark for engineering excellence. Remarkably, this product line continues to be produced today by FS-Curtis in St. Louis today, standing as a symbol of enduring quality, craftsmanship, and innovation.

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1900s: Expansion, Innovation, and Legacy Building

In 1904, Curtis and Company Manufacturing Company purchased 20 acres of land in St. Louis, Missouri, where a state-of-the-art steel foundry was built to produce Curtis products and other steel components. Remarkably, this historic plot remains home to FS-Curtis operations to this day — a testament to the company’s enduring legacy.

The construction of the steel mill marked a period of significant growth and diversification. The company segmented into three specialized divisions:

• Curtis Saw and Sawmill Machinery Co.
• Curtis Pneumatic Co.
• St. Louis Steel Foundry

These divisions allowed Curtis to produce a wide array of products, including advanced machinery, air compressors, saw blades, and innovative Model B Compressors. This expansion positioned the company as a leader in industrial manufacturing throughout the early 20th century.

Throughout the first half of the century, Curtis continually refined and upgraded its product line, phasing out older models and introducing new series such as the F Model and C Model compressors. By 1956, the large steel foundry was decommissioned as the company pivoted toward a more focused product offering centered on air compressors and accessories.

In 1974, Curtis made a strategic acquisition by purchasing Toledo Beaver Tools of Toledo, Ohio, a respected manufacturer known for its pipe threading tools, chop saws, and power pipe threading equipment. By 1976, all manufacturing operations were consolidated in St. Louis, and the following year the company became known as Curtis-Toledo, Inc.

Innovation continued as the company introduced the Twin Tank portable compressor in 1984, providing a versatile solution for light maintenance on service trucks, on-site construction projects, and even homeowner needs. This addition showcased FS-Curtis’ adaptability in meeting the changing demands of its customers.

This pivotal century established FS-Curtis as a trusted name in the compressed air industry, laying the groundwork for future growth and technological advancements that continue to define the brand today.

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2000s – A New Era of Innovation

In 2005, Curtis-Toledo, Inc. became FS-Curtis after joining the Fusheng Industrial family, a global leader in manufacturing products ranging from air compressors to golf club heads. This partnership marked the beginning of an exciting chapter, fueling a surge of product development and innovation.

In 2015, FS-Curtis introduced the award-winning NX Series single-stage rotary screw compressor, which earned four prestigious industry accolades for its efficiency and performance. Building on this success, the two-stage NXHE was launched in 2017, delivering even greater energy efficiency for demanding industrial applications.

As a trusted name in air compression, FS-Curtis has continued to expand its product line to meet the diverse and evolving needs of our customers. Recent innovations include:

• ECO-Scroll: An oil-free scroll compressor designed for the precision demands of labs and medical facilities, where clean air is critical.
• ECO-Turbo: Our response to the increasing demand for air-cooled, oil-free compressors, combining centrifugal technology with unmatched efficiency and sustainability for superior performance in challenging applications.
• Toledo Tool Air Compressors: A nod to our legacy Toledo Beaver Tools line, offering powerful and dependable solutions rotary screw air compressors for industrial applications.
• ECO-Rotary: The latest addition to our oil-free lineup, designed to serve industries that demand uncompromisingly clean air solutions.
• PET Elite: A high-pressure reciprocating oil-free air compressor designed for bottle-blowing operations and high-altitude applications, ensuring superior performance in demanding environments.
• SmartConnect™ 2.0: A cloud-based compressor monitoring system that delivers real-time insights, enabling predictive maintenance, improved energy efficiency, and complete control—anytime, anywhere.
• VSV Vacuum Pump: Our rotary screw vacuum pump series is a high-efficiency vacuum system with state-of-the-art controls and an intuitive operator interface.
• BWV Blower: An efficient, reliable oil-free blower system that is engineered to deliver exceptional efficiency, quiet operation, and dependable reliability across the most demanding industries.

Throughout our time in St. Louis, we have remained driven by the same mission that has guided us since 1854: to provide high-quality, energy-efficient, and reliable products for our customers. Backed by expert engineers and a factory-trained distributor network, FS-Curtis continues to lead the way, delivering world-class air solutions that empower industries to thrive.

As we look to the future, our commitment remains steadfast: delivering trusted and dependable innovation, customer-first service, and superior products designed to meet the ever-changing needs of the compressed air industry. Backed by our expert team at the St. Louis factory and across the United States, we continue to set the standard for excellence and reliability.