Ariel History

We started Ariel Corporation in 1966. Jim Buchwald aimed to create gas compressors with high precision and efficiency. Over fifty years, Ariel expanded its compressor line and introduced innovative technology for diverse applications. Customer focus remains essential. In 2024, Ariel shipped its 70,000th compressor. Our third-generation leadership continues driving progress. We launched the Ariel Smart Compressor for advanced monitoring and diagnostics.

Ariel was founded in 1966 by Jim Buchwald, focusing on gas compression innovations.
The company launched its first prototype, the JG compressor in 1968 from a home basement.
Third-generation leadership under Alex Wright began in 2021, continuing the business ethos.
Ariel marked major milestones like the shipment of their 70,000th compressor in 2024.
Major technology advancements like the Ariel Smart Compressor were introduced in 2021.

In the mid-1960s, Ariel founder Jim Buchwald understood that new technology was on the oil and gas industry horizon. He set his sights on building a gas gathering compressor to work with the new 1,800 RPM drivers. Buchwald envisioned precision and efficiency and wanted to manufacture a compressor that would pay for itself – all with the operator and mechanic in mind.

Over five decades later, Ariel's product line has grown to include compressors for a wide variety of applications and horsepower. Still, one thing has never changed – our commitment to providing the best compressor and parts and service support in the industry.

Ariel Founder, Jim Buchwald, riding his Ariel motorcycle, the namesake of Ariel Corporation

1966

Ariel was founded in 1966 by Jim Buchwald, focusing on gas compression innovations.
The company launched its first prototype, the JG compressor in 1968 from a home basement.
Third-generation leadership under Alex Wright began in 2021, continuing the business ethos.
Ariel marked major milestones like the shipment of their 70,000th compressor in 2024.
Major technology advancements like the Ariel Smart Compressor were introduced in 2021.

The Birth of Ariel

Buchwald purchases an Atlas lathe for manufacturing an eight-valve compressor. Later that year, Ariel Corporation, named after his 1948 Ariel Square Four motorcycle, is incorporated.

Jim Buchwald sits with his Ariel prototype, serial number one, the first in the JG line of compressors, after it has completed a 10 hour run test.

1968

Ariel was founded in 1966 by Jim Buchwald, focusing on gas compression innovations.
The company launched its first prototype, the JG compressor in 1968 from a home basement.
Third-generation leadership under Alex Wright began in 2021, continuing the business ethos.
Ariel marked major milestones like the shipment of their 70,000th compressor in 2024.
Major technology advancements like the Ariel Smart Compressor were introduced in 2021.

Serial No. 1

The basement of the Buchwald home becomes Ariel's first machine shop, producing a prototype JG compressor. After finishing the prototype, Ariel searches for a new facility and moves into a former car dealership in downtown Mount Vernon.

Historic image of employees standing around the 1000th Ariel compressor

1978

Ariel was founded in 1966 by Jim Buchwald, focusing on gas compression innovations.
The company launched its first prototype, the JG compressor in 1968 from a home basement.
Third-generation leadership under Alex Wright began in 2021, continuing the business ethos.
Ariel marked major milestones like the shipment of their 70,000th compressor in 2024.
Major technology advancements like the Ariel Smart Compressor were introduced in 2021.

Serial No. 1,000 and a New World Headquarters

Ariel celebrates the 1,000th compressor manufactured, a four-throw JG. Due to growth, a new headquarters is constructed – including 50,000 square feet of manufacturing space and 10,000 square feet of office space.

1988

Ariel was founded in 1966 by Jim Buchwald, focusing on gas compression innovations.
The company launched its first prototype, the JG compressor in 1968 from a home basement.
Third-generation leadership under Alex Wright began in 2021, continuing the business ethos.
Ariel marked major milestones like the shipment of their 70,000th compressor in 2024.
Major technology advancements like the Ariel Smart Compressor were introduced in 2021.

JGK Frame Introduced

Completion of the new JGK line of cylinders allows the introduction of the fully-rated JGK frame. This frame is named after Buchwald's children – Karen and Kurt Buchwald.

1998

Ariel was founded in 1966 by Jim Buchwald, focusing on gas compression innovations.
The company launched its first prototype, the JG compressor in 1968 from a home basement.
Third-generation leadership under Alex Wright began in 2021, continuing the business ethos.
Ariel marked major milestones like the shipment of their 70,000th compressor in 2024.
Major technology advancements like the Ariel Smart Compressor were introduced in 2021.

Jim Buchwald Retires After 31 years at the helm, Jim Buchwald retires from Ariel Corporation on April 30, 1998.

Karen Wright sits next to several compressor cylinders

2001

Ariel was founded in 1966 by Jim Buchwald, focusing on gas compression innovations.
The company launched its first prototype, the JG compressor in 1968 from a home basement.
Third-generation leadership under Alex Wright began in 2021, continuing the business ethos.
Ariel marked major milestones like the shipment of their 70,000th compressor in 2024.
Major technology advancements like the Ariel Smart Compressor were introduced in 2021.

A New Era

Karen Buchwald Wright, Jim Buchwald's daughter, assumes the Presidency of Ariel Corporation.

Jim Buchwald, Karen Wright, and Alex Wright stand next to Ariel's 40,000th compressor within their manufacturing complex.

2012

Ariel was founded in 1966 by Jim Buchwald, focusing on gas compression innovations.
The company launched its first prototype, the JG compressor in 1968 from a home basement.
Third-generation leadership under Alex Wright began in 2021, continuing the business ethos.
Ariel marked major milestones like the shipment of their 70,000th compressor in 2024.
Major technology advancements like the Ariel Smart Compressor were introduced in 2021.

Three Generations

Alex Wright, the eldest son of Karen Buchwald Wright, is welcomed as the Director of Aftermarket Operations of Ariel Corporation.

Detail of a gold compressor plate featuring a "50 Years" graphic

2016

Ariel was founded in 1966 by Jim Buchwald, focusing on gas compression innovations.
The company launched its first prototype, the JG compressor in 1968 from a home basement.
Third-generation leadership under Alex Wright began in 2021, continuing the business ethos.
Ariel marked major milestones like the shipment of their 70,000th compressor in 2024.
Major technology advancements like the Ariel Smart Compressor were introduced in 2021.

Ariel Celebrates 50 Years

Ariel Corporation commemorates its 50th Anniversary.

The Ariel Training Center in Mount Vernon, Ohio

2017

Ariel was founded in 1966 by Jim Buchwald, focusing on gas compression innovations.
The company launched its first prototype, the JG compressor in 1968 from a home basement.
Third-generation leadership under Alex Wright began in 2021, continuing the business ethos.
Ariel marked major milestones like the shipment of their 70,000th compressor in 2024.
Major technology advancements like the Ariel Smart Compressor were introduced in 2021.

The Ariel Training Center

Ariel opens its world-class training center, demonstrating its extraordinary commitment to the compression marketplace, its customers, and its employees. The facility houses the company's Training and Development Department and includes three comprehensive training labs for employees and customers.

2018

Ariel was founded in 1966 by Jim Buchwald, focusing on gas compression innovations.
The company launched its first prototype, the JG compressor in 1968 from a home basement.
Third-generation leadership under Alex Wright began in 2021, continuing the business ethos.
Ariel marked major milestones like the shipment of their 70,000th compressor in 2024.
Major technology advancements like the Ariel Smart Compressor were introduced in 2021.

Ariel Introduces the KBK:T Compressor

With the KBK:T, Ariel has created an upgraded frame that brings added functionality and value to the midline compression market.

A Sandero compressor station in New Mexico

2019

Ariel was founded in 1966 by Jim Buchwald, focusing on gas compression innovations.
The company launched its first prototype, the JG compressor in 1968 from a home basement.
Third-generation leadership under Alex Wright began in 2021, continuing the business ethos.
Ariel marked major milestones like the shipment of their 70,000th compressor in 2024.
Major technology advancements like the Ariel Smart Compressor were introduced in 2021.

Ariel Ships its 60,000th Compressor

Serial no. 60,000, a KBK/4, commissioned by Enerflex, was shipped to New Mexico, where it operates along with other Ariel compressors by Sendero Midstream as part of a gas gathering system.

2021

Ariel was founded in 1966 by Jim Buchwald, focusing on gas compression innovations.
The company launched its first prototype, the JG compressor in 1968 from a home basement.
Third-generation leadership under Alex Wright began in 2021, continuing the business ethos.
Ariel marked major milestones like the shipment of their 70,000th compressor in 2024.
Major technology advancements like the Ariel Smart Compressor were introduced in 2021.

Alex Wright Promoted to CEO

Karen Buchwald Wright passes on the responsibilities of Chief Executive Officer to her son, Alex Wright. She assumes the position of Chairman of the Board.

2021

Ariel was founded in 1966 by Jim Buchwald, focusing on gas compression innovations.
The company launched its first prototype, the JG compressor in 1968 from a home basement.
Third-generation leadership under Alex Wright began in 2021, continuing the business ethos.
Ariel marked major milestones like the shipment of their 70,000th compressor in 2024.
Major technology advancements like the Ariel Smart Compressor were introduced in 2021.

Ariel Introduces the Ariel Smart Compressor (ASC)

ASC represents the next generation in compression monitoring, diagnostics, optimization, and management. The physical system consists of multiple sensors that transmit operational data to an onboard central processor, providing numerous data points on-site, through a digital interface, and remotely in the cloud.

4 Throw Ariel KBC Compressor with Ariel Smart Compressor Harness

2021

Ariel was founded in 1966 by Jim Buchwald, focusing on gas compression innovations.
The company launched its first prototype, the JG compressor in 1968 from a home basement.
Third-generation leadership under Alex Wright began in 2021, continuing the business ethos.
Ariel marked major milestones like the shipment of their 70,000th compressor in 2024.
Major technology advancements like the Ariel Smart Compressor were introduced in 2021.

Ariel Introduces the KBC:D:F Compressor

The KBC:D:F, a mid-line frame, offers innovations through reduced torsional vibration, increased available RPM range, and boosted gas deliveries with less downtime.

Ariel KBH at Hoerbiger Packaging Facility

2024

Ariel was founded in 1966 by Jim Buchwald, focusing on gas compression innovations.
The company launched its first prototype, the JG compressor in 1968 from a home basement.
Third-generation leadership under Alex Wright began in 2021, continuing the business ethos.
Ariel marked major milestones like the shipment of their 70,000th compressor in 2024.
Major technology advancements like the Ariel Smart Compressor were introduced in 2021.

Ariel Ships Serial No. 70,000

Serial number 70,000, the KBH, a hydrogen fueling compressor, shipped to Ariel’s European packaging partner, HOERBIGER. The vertical compressor was designed to meet the necessary pressure and mechanical requirements for the hydrogen mobility market.

Explore our Full History

For a full look at the foundation, innovations, and manufacturing excellence over the past half-century, check out the resources below!

Complete History Literature