Koch Air History

Koch Air has been a distributor of Carrier products since 1936. Today, Koch Air is among the ten largest independent Carrier distributors in the U.S. and remains family owned and operated. What began as a distribution, installation and repair business has grown to focus solely on distribution.

1843

THE KOCH FAMILY SETS SAIL

for America from their home in Germany. Their plan was to reunite with family members in Evansville, Indiana.

1902

Willis Carrier invents air conditioning

1904

GEORGE KOCH AND SONS

George W., Louis and Albert incorporate the George Koch Tin Shop and rename it to honor their father.

1914

FIRST RESIDENTIAL APPLICATION First Residential Application

is placed into Gates Mansion in Minneapolis, MN.

1922

“MANUFACTURED WEATHER” IS LAUNCHED

with Willis Carrier's introduction of centrifugal refrigeration. This landmark event launched modern air conditioning from the factory floor into movie theatres, office buildings, and department stores

1936

George Koch Sons expand into the air conditioning industry

George Koch Sons decided for the first time to expand into an industry completely unrelated to their other business, the air conditioning industry. George Koch Sons bought a Carrier franchise and became the first franchised distributor for Carrier Air Conditioning Company. During this time, only two places in Evansville were air conditioned. They were cooled with well water that was run through a cooling coil with a large fan placed to blow across it and create cool air. Evansville became an air-conditioned city much sooner than other same size cities.

1942

Stopped production of metalcraft and started the construction of war products

George Koch Sons stopped production of metalcraft for customers and started the construction of war products. A federal law was passed that required all manufacturing of non-essential metal goods to be stopped in order to use all metal in the war effort. As with all companies at this time, the plant’s chief duty became to support the country throughout World War II.

In support of the new law and increased war efforts, George Koch Sons built a new plant in 1942 on Upper Mount Vernon Road in Evansville. The craftsmen's metalworking skills were quickly put to use as they began the fabrication of parts for the famous LST ships. Other systems for the war effort were also produced at the new plant. These systems were produced for other factories throughout the US that included spray booths for aircraft wings, shell case testing equipment, and fixtures for aircraft wings and engines. Also manufactured were ovens for dehydrating, baking, and testing.

1955

CARRIER EXPANDS

to purchase AGE and Bryant's corporate headquarters move to Indianapolis.

1961

CARRIER AWARDS

the Lincoln Center contract extending the performing arts in new York City from a single season to 52 weeks a year.

2017

KOCH AIR OPENS 8TH MIDWEST LOCATION

in Mount Vernon, IL. Positioned near instate 64, the store is situated at one of the main thoroughfares across the Midwest. This convenient location offers both potential and existing customers a convenient option in the Illinois market.