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The Kulthorn Story

“We are more than our parts and our successes. We have a bigger vision. We are about creating innovative products that far exceed the marketplace in efficiency and durability. We are about creating prosperity for not just ourselves but for our partners. And bottom line- the Kulthorn family is here to make the world a better place and improve the lives of our fellow world citizens.”

Simakulthorn brothers started the Kulthorn Group 52 years ago in a small town in Thailand. They were skilled engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs. The three started the family business to distribute and manufacture compressors. There was a real demand in their country and they filled it. By 1978, they were the exclusive distributors of a U.S. based compressor manufacturer in Southeast Asia. But, their vision was growing ... they wanted to improve the quality of life for people around the world with innovation and integrity and an opportunity presented itself.

Sumeth- “When we learned the Thai Government was offering a grant to manufacture compressors, we jumped at the chance. We applied and after months of waiting and hoping, we were offered the grant and became the first company in Thailand to manufacture reciprocating compressors. This opportunity brought us closer to achieving our goal of providing innovative solutions around the world.”

In 1980 they became the first manufacturers of reciprocating hermetic compressors in Thailand. By 1986, they had produced more than 1 million AE compressors and began exporting Compressor Series Kits to other compressor manufacturers in North America. In 1987, to expand their presence in the AC/R industry, they entered into a joint venture with the Universal MagneTek to produce Nema Frame motors. Expansion didn’t stop there. A few months later they started another joint venture with Mitsubishi Heavy Industry to produce rotary compressors.

By 1989, to meet the growing demand for steel within Kulthorn Enterprises, they established their own foundry in Thailand.

During the 90’s they produced more than 19 million compressors. Plus, they were being noticed by equipment manufacturers throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East for building high quality, efficient, affordable compressors. In 2004 they acquired the Sanyo Compressor Factory of Thailand (Panasonic) to expand their knowledge and explore new technologies.

In 2010, they were recognized as the Outstanding Company of the Year. By then, they were selling their products to more than 75 countries and while producing 13 million compressors.

In 2015 kulthorn Electric became the manufacturing partner with Unada Motor to produce EC motors, engineered by Unada and manufactured by Kulthorn.

In 2016 Kulthorn Research & Development Center was established. All Kulthorn engineers took part and (more than 70) combined their forces to focus on developing and designing new styles of compressor that would be highly efficient, quiet and durable.

In 2017, Kulthorn increased their productivity and produced 90 million compressors. Now as 2018 approaches, their International scope has widened with their new offices in San Diego Ca., Houston, Texas, and TJ Mexico. With a strong North American presence, they can deliver their innovation and ingenuity to vendors and original equipment manufacturers throughout North America.  

Why Choose Kulthorn

“This story of Kulthorn has been written by our partners and employees who are the visionaries; passionate, dedicated, and strong. I am so proud of my family, my partners and my employees. For no matter the successes of our company, at heart, we are still a family run business looking to better our community and those we call our neighbors. And never doubt for a minute, that we are as committed as ever to innovating and creating new and better ways to improve the lives of many.”