Our Story
Innovation is at the heart of Airdri and it will continue to be a major focus for many years to come.
Early years
Airdri founders, Peter Philipps and Peter Allen met in the early 1970s working as engineers at Smiths Industries where they specialised in developing hot air system products. They suggested to Smiths that they should start to design and manufacture hand dryers recognising their growing popularity in the market, but Smiths rejected their proposal. This didn’t stop the duo however and they went on to design their first hand dryer in their home garage. In 1974, the pair left Smiths and Airdri Ltd was born.
Diversifying
In the early 1980’s Airdri began to explore automated sensor technology for its hand dryers. The technology was already being used extensively in the elevator industry and the appointment of an engineer with elevator experience enabled Airdri to both accelerate hand dryer development and, at the same time, diversify: In 1983, Airdri launched its subsidiary company, Formula Systems, to provide elevator door protection and speech systems to major elevator companies. 20 years later, Formula Systems opened a US office and warehouse in Chicago, and today both hand dryers and door protection and speech products are distributed throughout the US from the company’s Chicago base.
Expanding Internationally
The establishment of the Chicago hand dryer base aimed to strengthen Airdri’s longstanding relationship with US Bobrick Inc., marking the company’s inaugural major international partnership, which has endured for over four decades. Another significant step for Airdri occurred with the inauguration of a dedicated 30,000 sq ft production, warehouse, and administrative facility in Guangzhou, China, in 2016. This expansion marked Airdri’s foray into the Asian market.
Celebrating Achievements
Both enterprises have received notable accolades in recent years.
In particular, the recognition of the sustainability of our hand dryers has been a driving force behind the business’s growth. Airdri hand dryers have earned the GreenSpec listing for their low carbon emissions and the Quiet Mark. Airdri was the first hand dryer company globally to receive the Quiet Mark in 2014, acknowledging its development of a dryer that met the noise level reduction standards set by the UK Noise Abatement Society. This recognition played a pivotal role in shaping industry standards for sound level reduction, prompting other major hand dryer manufacturers to follow suit. Today, Airdri takes pride in its reputation as a provider of low sound output hand dryers.
In 2018, Airdri introduced the Quantum – a 200-watt unit, setting a record for the lowest energy consumption hand dryer worldwide. This product not only breaks sustainability records with its remarkably low energy consumption but also boasts an unparalleled lifecycle. The dryer’s motor, tested against other popular jet dryer brands for longevity, was found to outlast them by over tenfold.
Hand Dryer Innovation
In 2024, Airdri introduces the PowerDRI, our premier blade hand dryer featuring top-tier capabilities for superior hand drying.
With a power rating of just 0.8kW and a 10-second drying time, the PowerDRI ensures quick and efficient hand drying, complemented by an integrated HEPA filter for enhanced washroom hygiene.
Joining the lineup, the CompactDRI and ComfortDRI models provide options for lower noise levels or a warm air output.
“For five decades, Airdri has been a pioneer in hand dryer innovation and technology. Our enduring philosophy is unchanged – to craft and produce highly dependable, quiet, and energy-efficient products. Each unit within our hand dryer range possesses distinct attributes, guaranteeing that irrespective of the dryer’s intended location, we can offer a suitable unit tailored to the environment.”
Bruce Philipps –
President & CEO
“Airdri is committed to maintaining innovation as the core of its business, ensuring ongoing advancements in cutting-edge washroom solutions for decades to come.”
Steve Whittall – Chief Operating Officer
