CaptiveAire Systems is a privately held manufacturer of commercial kitchen ventilation systems in the U.S. and a manufacturer of HVAC equipment.[1] The company, founded by Robert L. Luddy in 1976, is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. Since its inception, the company has expanded from fire suppression to a wide array of products including exhaust, pollution control, fire suppression and prevention, HVAC, and utility distribution. In 2018, CaptiveAire brought in over $500 million in revenue.[2]
History
In November 1976, Luddy started Atlantic Fire Systems, which sold automatic dry chemical fire systems to restaurants and industry. Sales for the first full year in business reached $297,000. Luddy developed a relationship with James Maynard and Bill Carl, co-founders of the Golden Corralrestaurant chain which started in nearby Fayetteville. In 1978, Ben Maynard, James’ father, suggested to Luddy that he open a sheet metal shop to manufacture ventilation hoods and integrate the fire system. Sales reached one million in 1979. In 1981, a separate company was formed for the ventilation business with the name “CaptiveAire". The company has continued to expand, acquiring several ventilation companies in order to expand its product line. In 2017, CaptiveAire entered the HVAC market with the release of a dedicated outdoor air system.[3]
CaptiveAire’s integrated ventilation packages include hoods, exhaust fans, electrical controls, direct-fired heaters, grease duct systems, fire suppression systems, grease filters, utility distribution systems, dedicated outdoor air systems, and internet based control systems.
A commercial kitchen with a CaptiveAire exhaust hood, makeup air supply plenum, and utility distribution system.
Community and awards
Voted "Best in Class" for ventilation systems by industry dealers and consultants (eight times), Foodservice Equipment & Supplies magazine
