BC Compressors History

1884    W. Burton, importer of British pumps, sets up a repair workshop at Nogent-sur-Oise 
           (France), the present day location of Howden BC Compressors. In only a few years he 
           developed his own pump and air compressor lines. The original small business grows and 
           becomes “Les Ateliers Burton”.
 
1916    While looking for a chlorine compression system, Henri Corblin invents the metal 
           diaphragm  compressor. The product ensures the growth of his company, the “SA de 
           Compresseurs á  Membrane Corblin”, in Paris.
 
           For years he remains the only manufacturer of diaphragm compressors in the world, 
           bringing solutions to the chemical sector, petrochemical activities and industrial gases 
           production.

1956    A group of French entrepreneurs takes over “Les Ateliers Burton”. The new owners lead the 
           company to develop machines dedicated to handling special gases. The company starts to 
           build its enviable reputation for technical competence with compressor designs for handling 
           difficult gases.

1960    Delivery of autonomous crude oil pumps activated by natural gas on extraction sites.

           In the 1960s the two companies started a partnership for the building of hybrid technology 
           compressors, combining a piston compressor line to a diaphragm compressor head. This 
           compressor design, delivering large capacities and high pressure, is a success in the deep 
           sea diving and industrial gases sectors.

1971    "Les Ateliers Burton”. and the “SA de Compresseurs á Membrane Corblin” merge to 
           become Burton Corblin. This partnership combined their major strengths: design of ‘custom’ 
           machines allied to strong export sales and marketing activities.

           In the 1970s, a built-in revolutionary system guarantees that gas cleanliness is preserved 
           on diaphragm compressors. The nuclear industry selects the diaphragm compressor for its 
           ability to keep the environment free from contamination. The technology becomes famous 
           for its ability to fully contain the toxic, flammable and corrosive gases in the chemical 
           sectors, and high purity gases for the industrial gases companies.

           API design is integrated into the piston compressor line to comply with petrochemical 
           industry standards.

1986    Autoclave Engineers Inc.( USA) acquires Burton Corblin SA.

1992    First ISO Quality 9001 quality certification

1995    Howden Group plc. acquires Burton Corblin

2006    Burton Corblin becomes Howden BC Compressors. The company keeps Burton Corblin® 
           as a brand name.

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