Demand for Industrial Air Compressor in UK

Demand for Industrial Air Compressor in UK 2025 to 2035

The demand for industrial air compressors in the UK is projected to grow from USD 0.79 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 1.13 billion by 2035, with demand forecast to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% between 2025 and 2035.

Growth is driven by expanding manufacturing automation initiatives and increasing adoption of energy-efficient compressed air systems across UK industrial sectors, particularly in England where smart factory implementations and industrial modernization are accelerating industrial air compressor deployment.

Quick Stats for UK Industrial Air Compressor Industry

• UK Industrial Air Compressor Sales Value (2025): USD 0.79 billion
• UK Industrial Air Compressor Forecast Value (2035): USD 1.13 billion
• UK Industrial Air Compressor Forecast CAGR: 3.6%
• Leading Product Type in UK Industrial Air Compressor Industry: Rotary/Screw (48.5%)
• Key Growth Regions in UK Industrial Air Compressor Industry: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
• Regional Leadership: England holds the leading position in demand
• Key Players in UK Industrial Air Compressor Industry: Atlas Copco AB, Ingersoll Rand Plc, Hitachi Limited, Doosan Infracore Company Limited, Elgi Equipments Limited, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited, Siemens Energy AG, Kirloskar Pneumatics Company Limited, Baker Hughes Company, Kobe Steel Limited

Increasing integration of variable-speed drive technologies in manufacturing applications and growing adoption of oil-free compressor platforms continue to drive demand. Manufacturing facilities and industrial operators are expanding their industrial air compressor investments to address the growing complexity of modern production requirements and efficiency specifications, with UK facilities leading investments in advanced compressed air systems.

The rotary/screw segment is projected to register 48.5% of industrial air compressor demand in 2025. Industrial air compressors are widely used in rotary/screw configurations because they enable efficient compressed air delivery, reliable operation characteristics, and proven system durability that enhance production quality. They also support diverse capacity applications and operational preferences across manufacturing environments, improving energy characteristics and effectiveness.

Manufacturing applications are expected to account for 32.8% of industrial air compressor demand in 2025. Industrial air compressors are widely used for manufacturing because they provide proven performance enhancement and comprehensive support for demanding production requirements. Their integration enhances system character, application capabilities, and operational outcomes by enabling improved manufacturing differentiation and authentic performance positioning during production.

From 2030 to 2035, demand is forecast to grow from USD 0.92 billion to USD 1.13 billion, adding another USD 0.21 billion, which constitutes 61.8% of the overall ten-year expansion. This period is expected to be characterized by expansion of advanced automation integration, development of specialized energy-efficient formulations and customized compressor products, and implementation of smart control systems across different industrial applications. The growing adoption of IoT-enabled predictive maintenance and enhanced system customization requirements, particularly in England and Scotland regions, will drive demand for more sophisticated industrial air compressor systems and integrated automation platforms.

The industrial air compressor industry is experiencing steady growth in the UK primarily due to the increasing adoption of advanced manufacturing alternatives and the expansion of industrial automation initiatives. The country's emphasis on manufacturing modernization and production efficiency necessitates investment in effective industrial air compressor systems (production support, equipment reliability) and advanced compression products (quality enhancement, performance verification) for manufacturing operations and industrial functions.

UK Industrial Air Compressor Industry Key Takeaways

Metric	Value
UK Industrial Air Compressor Sales Value (2025)	USD 0.79 billion
UK Industrial Air Compressor Forecast Value (2035)	USD 1.13 billion
UK Industrial Air Compressor Forecast CAGR (2025-2035)	3.6%

Why is the UK Industrial Air Compressor Industry Growing?

Modern manufacturing facilities and industrial practitioners rely on professional industrial air compressor systems to ensure production competitiveness, operational improvement, and optimal pathway achievement toward efficiency goals. Advanced manufacturing requirements necessitate comprehensive industrial air compressor solutions including specialized compression capabilities, production support systems, and quality enhancement infrastructure to address diverse application needs and performance specifications.

Manufacturing facilities and industrial practitioners are emphasizing sourcing and integrated compression solutions to enhance production profiles, access efficiency optimization trends, and demonstrate operational leadership in competitive manufacturing environments. Advanced quality policies and industrial air compressor performance requirements are establishing standardized production pathways that require professional systems and performance assurance, with UK facilities often pioneering large-scale implementation of advanced industrial air compressor technologies.

Segmental Analysis

The industry is segmented by product, lubrication, end use, and region. By product, the industry is divided into rotary/screw, centrifugal, and reciprocating categories. In terms of lubrication, industry is segmented into oil-filled and oil-free. By end use, industry is segmented into manufacturing, oil and gas, food and beverage, and others. Regionally, the industry is divided into England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Why do Rotary/Screw Applications Account for a High Share?

The rotary/screw segment is projected to account for 48.5% of industrial air compressor demand in 2025, making it the leading product category across the sector. This dominance reflects the operational performance requirements and proven capabilities of rotary/screw systems for existing manufacturing operations and industrial applications where compression precision is optimized through established technology capabilities and integrated quality architecture.

In the UK, where substantial industrial populations require air compressor integration without complete infrastructure modification, rotary/screw platforms provide practical pathways for production enhancement while maintaining operational integrity. Continuous innovations are improving compression consistency, operational characteristics, and energy integration parameters, enabling facilities to achieve high performance standards while maximizing reliability. The segment's strong position is reinforced by the extensive existing manufacturing infrastructure requiring air compressor adoption and growing availability of rotary/screw suppliers with proven commercial experience.

• Operational compatibility and existing facility integration make rotary/screw platforms the preferred product type for enhancing manufacturing operations and production installations.
• Performance reliability and commercial demonstration track records are enhancing facility confidence and system viability across large-scale adoption initiatives.

Which End Use Segment Utilizes Industrial Air Compressors Extensively in the UK?

Manufacturing represents 32.8% of industrial air compressor demand in 2025, demonstrating the significant role of production facilities requiring comprehensive compressed air support solutions. Manufacturing facilities including major production plants, assembly operations, processing programs, and facility-to-consumer initiatives generate consistent demand for industrial air compressor systems that are technically and operationally favorable for manufacturing applications.

The segment benefits from performance characteristics that provide compression optimization and integration capabilities for production processes. In the UK, where manufacturing represents substantial portions of industrial output, operational excellence requires air compressor integration across diverse production facilities. In England regions, where manufacturing concentrations are significant, industrial air compressor demand is elevated by emphasis on maintaining operational excellence while achieving production targets.

• Production requirements and compression optimization drive consistent demand across major manufacturing plants, assembly operations, processing programs, and facility-to-consumer initiatives.
• The integration of industrial air compressor-based solutions enhances the efficiency, consistency, and effectiveness of manufacturing processes, further supporting the sector's need for high-performance compressed air systems in both production and assembly applications.

What are the Drivers, Restraints, and Key Trends in the UK Industrial Air Compressor Industry?

The country's industrial air compressor demand is advancing steadily due to increasing manufacturing automation requirements and growing recognition of compression necessity for production development, with England region serving as a key driver of innovation and application development.

The sector faces challenges including competition from alternative compression systems, need for specialized technology validation development, and ongoing concerns regarding equipment costs and regulatory considerations. National manufacturing guidelines and regional-level industrial initiatives, particularly automation programs in England and Scotland regions, continue to influence air compressor selection and adoption timelines.

Expansion of Manufacturing Automation Requirements and Performance Standards

The enhancement of operational regulations, gaining particular significance through production standards and advanced manufacturing programs, is enabling industrial air compressor suppliers to achieve differentiation without prohibitive development costs, providing predictable demand patterns through operational requirements and facility preferences.

Enhanced quality standards offering substantial opportunities for professional air compressor systems and integrated applications provide foundational dynamics while allowing suppliers to secure manufacturing agreements and production partnerships. These trends are particularly valuable for first-mover suppliers and advanced system development that require substantial technical investments without immediate cost advantages.

Incorporation of Smart Manufacturing Technologies and Quality Validation Systems

Modern industrial air compressor suppliers and manufacturing companies are establishing advanced compressed air networks and centralized quality management facilities that improve operational effectiveness through technical standardization and performance validation. Integration of compression optimization systems, high-precision technology platforms, and coordinated quality management enables more efficient air compressor delivery across multiple production locations.

Advanced compression concepts also support next-generation manufacturing applications including specialized automation integration, facility optimization, and regional air compressor supply networks that optimize system-level economics while enabling comprehensive performance monitoring across industrial regions, with UK developments increasingly adopting collaborative research models to reduce individual supplier costs and accelerate validation.

Analysis of UK Industrial Air Compressor Industry by Key Regions

Region	CAGR (2025-2035)
England	4.1%
Scotland	3.9%
Wales	3.7%
Northern Ireland	3.5%

The UK industrial air compressor industry is witnessing steady growth, supported by rising manufacturing automation requirements, expanding production initiatives, and the deployment of advanced air compressor technologies across regions. England leads the nation with a 4.1% CAGR, reflecting progressive manufacturing trends, substantial production innovation, and early adoption of professional air compressor systems.

Scotland follows with a 3.9% CAGR, driven by extensive manufacturing infrastructure, favorable industrial demographics, and concentration of specialized operations that enhance application development. Wales grows at 3.7%, as production modernization and manufacturing opportunities increasingly drive air compressor adoption. Northern Ireland demonstrates growth at 3.5%, supported by expanding industrial facilities and regional production initiatives.

Why does England Lead Industrial Air Compressor Demand?

Demand for industrial air compressors in England is projected to exhibit strong growth with a CAGR of 4.1% through 2035, driven by progressive manufacturing preferences, substantial production development creating advanced air compressor opportunities, and concentration of industrial advancement across London and surrounding metropolitan areas.

As the dominant region with extensive manufacturing infrastructure and quality-focused production policies, England's emphasis on comprehensive operational excellence and manufacturing leadership is creating significant demand for professional air compressor systems with proven effectiveness and reliable application potential. Major air compressor suppliers and manufacturing companies are establishing comprehensive production development programs to support innovation advancement and advanced system deployment across diverse applications.

• Production development trends and manufacturing preferences are requiring comprehensive facility management strategies and air compressor solutions, driving demand for systems with demonstrated operational enhancement capabilities and permanent performance assurance throughout diverse manufacturing operations.
• Innovation ecosystem strength and production capital availability are supporting deployment of next-generation air compressor technologies and novel application pathways that enhance commercial viability, reduce operational costs, and create new manufacturing opportunities across production and quality-focused applications, positioning England as a national manufacturing leadership region.

Why does Scotland Show Strong Growth?

Demand for industrial air compressors in Scotland is expanding at a CAGR of 3.9%, supported by extensive manufacturing facilities including large-scale production programs, industrial operations, and processing companies generating concentrated demand favorable for air compressor systems. The region's manufacturing characteristics, featuring substantial industrial networks and production requirements ideal for air compressor integration, provide natural advantages.

Manufacturing expertise concentrated in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and regional production corridors facilitates application development and facility management. Air compressor suppliers and manufacturing companies are implementing comprehensive production strategies to serve expanding quality-focused requirements throughout Scotland.

• Manufacturing concentration and favorable application economics are creating opportunities for specialized air compressor suppliers that can integrate compression systems with existing production operations.
• Air compressor positioning and manufacturing awareness are building regional competitive advantages in production applications, enabling comprehensive manufacturing development and operational cluster enhancement that meets industrial targets while accessing advanced pricing opportunities.

Why does Wales Show Consistent Expansion?

Demand for industrial air compressors in Wales is growing at a CAGR of 3.7%, driven by substantial manufacturing facilities from production operations, industrial distributors, and regional operators requiring air compressor pathways.

The region's manufacturing base, supporting critical production operations, is increasingly adopting air compressor technologies to maintain competitiveness while meeting operational expectations. Manufacturing companies and air compressor suppliers are investing in compression integration systems and regional supply infrastructure to address growing facility management requirements.

• Production modernization imperatives and manufacturing competitiveness concerns are facilitating adoption of air compressor technologies that enable continued production operations while achieving operational enhancement across manufacturing operations, industrial distributors, and operator facilities.
• Compression optimization opportunities including regional manufacturing development and air compressor utilization for enhanced production operations are creating unique regional advantages and diversified application types throughout Wales manufacturing operations.

What Factors Underpin Industrial Air Compressor Demand in Northern Ireland?

Demand for industrial air compressors in Northern Ireland is advancing at a CAGR of 3.5%, supported by expanding manufacturing facilities, regional production development including industrial and operational activities, and growing emphasis on compression solutions across the region.

Manufacturing modernization and production facility expansion are driving consideration of air compressor systems as operational enhancement pathways. Manufacturing companies and air compressor suppliers are developing regional capabilities to support emerging compression deployment requirements.

• Manufacturing expansion and production diversification are creating economic drivers for air compressor technologies and system adoption across manufacturing and production facilities seeking competitive differentiation pathways.
• Regional manufacturing cooperation and coordinated production development are establishing consistent air compressor environments and shared compression infrastructure that support multi-regional manufacturing projects throughout Northern Ireland production operations.

Competitive Landscape of the UK Industrial Air Compressor Industry

The UK industrial air compressor industry is defined by competition among specialized manufacturing equipment producers, compression component companies, and integrated solution providers, with major industrial corporations maintaining significant influence through research resources and application development capabilities. Companies are investing in compression advancement, quality assurance infrastructure optimization, distribution network structures, and comprehensive technical validation services to deliver effective, reliable, and accessible compression enhancement solutions across UK manufacturing and industrial applications. Strategic partnerships, research infrastructure development, and first-mover application execution are central to strengthening competitive positioning and presence across manufacturing, quality-focused, and industrial applications.

Atlas Copco AB leads with a 16% share, offering comprehensive industrial air compressor solutions including production development, quality assurance, and distribution services with focus on manufacturing applications, compression, and accessibility across UK operations. Ingersoll Rand Plc delivers full-service compression supply including production distribution, custom integration, and technical support serving UK and international manufacturing projects.

Hitachi Limited emphasizes comprehensive advanced solutions with integrated compression capabilities, quality management, and operational features leveraging manufacturing sector expertise. Doosan Infracore Company Limited offers air compressor application development and compression optimization operations for manufacturing and industrial applications across UK operations.

UK Industrial Air Compressor Industry - Stakeholder Contribution Framework

The UK industrial air compressor industry is a critical backbone for manufacturing competitiveness and industrial modernization, supporting automated production lines, facility operations, and operational enhancement. With projected demand driven by automation targets, manufacturing modernization, and efficiency improvements across production facilities, the sector's resilience depends on collaborative engagement among government agencies, manufacturing operators, compressor manufacturers, and investors to build capacity, enhance supply chain security, and foster innovation.

How the UK Government Could Accelerate Manufacturing Modernization and Industry Competitiveness?

• Strategic Production Fund: Dedicate funding through HM Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade for strategic manufacturing enhancement projects, including automated production systems and advanced compressed air infrastructure.
• Tax Incentives for Strategic Manufacturing: Offer enhanced capital allowances and R&D tax credits for domestic investments in compressor manufacturing, advanced automation integration, and facility expansion.
• Critical Supply Chain Support: Implement policies and strategic stockpiles for key components to mitigate import dependency and price volatility, ensuring project delivery.
• Standardized Technical & Planning Frameworks: Introduce unified national policy statements and technical standards for compressor manufacturing, facility integration, and permitting processes to streamline project timelines and boost investor confidence.
• Permitting & Approval Reform: Expedite planning approval for nationally significant manufacturing projects that enhance production capacity and integrate automation systems.
• Digital Manufacturing Mandates: Promote the deployment of compressors with integrated IoT monitoring and digital control technologies as part of smart manufacturing and industrial digitalization strategies.

How Industry Bodies & Associations Could Strengthen Sector Coordination and Technical Leadership?

• Unified Technical & Skills Standards: Develop consensus-based benchmarks for compressor specifications, installation practices, and operational compliance to ensure safety, interoperability, and system-wide efficiency.
• Workforce Development Programs: Create accredited apprenticeship pathways and skills passports for compressor technicians, automation engineers, and maintenance specialists to address the critical skills shortage.
• Collaborative R&D Consortia: Establish joint industry programs to drive innovation in variable-speed drive technology, advanced control systems, and smart monitoring platforms.
• Performance & Failure Data Repositories: Build centralized industry databases for compressor performance, maintenance incidents, and installation best practices to inform better design, maintenance standards, and risk assessment.
• Public & Political Outreach: Promote the strategic role of compressor infrastructure in manufacturing reliability, economic growth, and competitiveness goals through coordinated industry campaigns.

How Compressor Manufacturers & Technology Suppliers Could Capture Value and Drive Innovation?

• Advanced Domestic Manufacturing: Invest in state-of-the-art production lines for energy-efficient compressors, advanced control systems, and integrated monitoring solutions.
• Integrated System Solutions: Develop comprehensive offerings that combine compressor supply with accessories, maintenance services, performance monitoring software, and lifetime efficiency guarantees.
• Supply Chain Digitalization: Implement digital traceability from raw material sourcing to final installation, ensuring component provenance, quality compliance, and performance tracking.
• Partnership with Research Institutions: Collaborate with universities on next-generation technologies, such as advanced control algorithms and energy-efficient compression systems.
• Manufacturing Optimization: Introduce automation, advanced process control, and modular production designs to improve throughput, reduce energy consumption in manufacturing, and lower production costs.

How Manufacturing Operators & Industrial Facilities Could Optimize Production Efficiency and Demand Expansion?

• Digital Asset Integration: Create digital twins of compressor assets integrated with real-time data from monitoring systems to optimize performance, predict maintenance needs, and simulate upgrade scenarios.
• Scale-up of Strategic Projects: Proactively develop and finance large-scale compressed air projects for automated production lines, facility expansions, and manufacturing optimization.
• Collaborative Supply Ecosystems: Develop long-term framework agreements and partnerships with compressor manufacturers to ensure consistent quality, secure supply capacity, and facilitate multi-year project planning.
• Pilot-to-Production Deployment Transition: Use phased testing for new compressor technologies before full-scale facility deployment.
• Lifecycle Cost Optimization: Invest in higher-specification, more durable compressor systems during initial installation to reduce long-term maintenance, operational costs, and system downtime.

How Engineering, Procurement & Construction Firms Could Unlock Project Innovation and Demand Access?

• Design and Installation Expertise: Develop specialized installation methodologies for challenging manufacturing environments, including complex facility layouts and integrated production systems.
• Modular and Pre-fabricated Solutions: Integrate pre-configured compressor systems, modular installation approaches, and advanced automation technologies into project designs to reduce installation time and operational disruption.
• Advanced Project Delivery Systems: Offer integrated platforms that include digital handover with all compressor records, monitoring system interfaces, and maintenance documentation for the facility owner.
• Design for Operability & Maintenance: Partner with manufacturing operators to provide co-engineered compressor systems optimized for ease of installation, long-term monitoring, and future accessibility for maintenance.
• Digital Platform Development: Launch project management platforms for standardized compressor component libraries, procurement tracking, and streamlined quality assurance documentation.

How Investors and Financial Enablers Could Unlock Growth and Technology Scalability?

• Venture Capital for Technology Startups: Support early-stage companies developing novel compressor technologies, automation integration systems, and AI-driven efficiency optimization software.
• Manufacturing and Modernization Financing: Provide long-term capital for facility upgrade programs, compressor manufacturing expansion, and new technology acquisitions through industrial development funds.
• Public-Private Investment Platforms: Create co-financed funds for first-of-a-kind pilot projects demonstrating new compressor technologies or innovative financing models.
• Strategic Consolidation Funding: Back mergers and acquisitions that consolidate fragmented compressor installation, maintenance, or manufacturing companies to achieve scale and geographic reach.
• Performance-Linked Financing Models: Tie loan terms and investor returns to key performance indicators like improved energy efficiency, enhanced production reliability, and accelerated project delivery timelines.
• Manufacturing Modernization Financing Programs: Channel innovation-oriented funds into compressor systems dedicated to automated production integration, facility upgrades, and manufacturing digitalization.

Key Players in UK Industrial Air Compressor Industry

• Atlas Copco AB
• Ingersoll Rand Plc
• Hitachi Limited
• Doosan Infracore Company Limited
• Elgi Equipments Limited
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited
• Siemens Energy AG
• Kirloskar Pneumatics Company Limited
• Baker Hughes Company
• Kobe Steel Limited

Scope of the Report

Item	Value
Quantitative Units	USD 1.13 billion
Product	Rotary/Screw, Centrifugal, Reciprocating
Lubrication	Oil-filled, Oil-free
End Use	Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, Food and Beverage, Others
Regions Covered	England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
Key Companies	Atlas Copco AB, Ingersoll Rand Plc, Hitachi Limited, Doosan Infracore Company Limited, Elgi Equipments Limited, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited, Siemens Energy AG, Kirloskar Pneumatics Company Limited, Baker Hughes Company, Kobe Steel Limited, Regional industrial air compressor specialists
Additional Attributes	Sales by product and lubrication segment; regional demand trends across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland; competitive landscape with established air compressor suppliers and specialized manufacturing developers; quality preferences for rotary/screw versus centrifugal technologies; integration with manufacturing programs and advanced production policies, particularly advanced in the England region

UK Industrial Air Compressor Industry by Segments

• Product :

  • Rotary/Screw
  • Centrifugal
  • Reciprocating

• Lubrication :

  • Oil-filled
  • Oil-free

• End Use :

  • Manufacturing
  • Oil and Gas
  • Food and Beverage
  • Others

• Region :

  • England
  • Scotland
  • Wales
  • Northern Ireland