We are Annexair
A family-owned company founded by Francois Lemieux in 1998, Annexair is focused exclusively on designing and manufacturing high-quality, energy-efficient air handling systems.
Our team of HVAC experts and staff embodies a new generation of manufacturers that defy conventional trends. We are committed to detailed planning, intelligent evaluation and exhaustive validation.
With 99% of our sales in the United States – more than 11,000 systems installed – we have built our reputation on innovation and surpass our customers expectation.
"After many years of traveling in the world to investigate and analyze who are the best players in the industry, I founded Annexair based on my preferred observations. When you visit our new facility, you can sense throughout the environment and especially in our products that we are influenced by what's being done in Europe and other parts of the world. The results are simply extraordinary."
According to our clients and visitors, our facility is one of the world's most modern and advanced in our industry producing the best and greenest HVAC systems.
Our Values
Simplicity
Avoid mistakes
Cleanliness & neatness
Clear objectives
Responsibility
Communication
Observe deadlines
Quality control
Continuous improvement
Our Timeline
Startup in the family garage
1995
1996
Market analysis, exploration, learning the basics, travels to Europe
Heat recovery wheel partnership
After many trips to Europe to learn more about the HVAC industry, Annexair selected Rototherm GmbH, a major heat recovery wheels manufacturer.
1997
1998
First exhibit at Ashrae show in San Francisco
Brings initial orders and establishes representatives network.
First production facility 16,000 sq. ft.
1998
1999
Launch of Annexair aluminum framing casing systems
We were the first in the industry to build HVAC casings with rigid aluminum framing systems, reducing overall unit weight by 30% versus steel casings and expanding unit lifetime. Superior rigidity, reduction of leaks and overall increase in unit performance were valuable advantages.
Relocation to a modern, larger facility with a total area of 30,000 sq. ft.
More organized, more staff and sales of $500K that year.
2000
2003
Ashrae 2003: First award for combining geothermal and energy recovery
Annexair was the first to integrate a geothermal refrigeration platform into a heat recovery wheel design unit, all factory piped and single-point connection for the client.
Beginning of business relationship with Trane
Amazed by the outstanding quality of our products, Trane approached Annexair to fulfill their semi-custom and custom system requests.
2003
2004
Beginning of business relationship with Carrier Corp.
Shortly after, Carrier Corp. approached Annexair to fulfill their semi-custom and custom system requests.
Launch of direct drive fans
Annexair was the first North American manufacturer to eliminate belt-drive fans, replacing them with direct-drive fan technology. A partnership between Annexair and a large European fan company was concluded. Today, almost 95% of the industry has adopted the direct drive concept thanks to Annexair’s first move.
2006
2008
Booming sales from $500K in 2000 to $35M
Launch of variable speed compressor
Annexair was the first manufacturer in North America to integrate the variable speed compressor technology into its systems. Sixteen years later, after thousands of units shipped, we became the expert in variable speed compressor design systems.
2008
2008
More and more LEED buildings
The popularity of LEED green practices is growing rapidly, which is reflected in Annexair sales increase.
Construction of our climate chamber lab and our showroom in the Ecoref building
Annexair has 2 buildings now: the main plant at 95,000 sq.ft and Ecoref building (30,000 sq. ft.). For our R&D needs, we built our 1st climate chamber lab in the Ecoref building. At the time, this 30 ft. x 70 ft. x 20 ft. height lab was the most high-tech and sophisticated lab in North America. A long period of simulating numerous weather conditions was used mainly to optimize Annexair unit’s performance, validate supplier’s components and maximize unit performances.
2011
2012
Launch of our 1st generation of composite casings (Thermo-composite)
Annexair was the first in the world to design and manufacture HVAC casings made with composite technology instead of steel.
The beginning of “Advanced Materials R&D department”
Where the biocomposite is born – 14,000 sq. ft. independent lab, 13 new employees, pilot plant for developing biocomposite panels.
2012
2018
Finalization of the new plant in St-Germain-de-Grantham
Phase 1 of relocation: Advanced Materials R&D group is relocated to this new plant.
Launch of Annexair EC-SPIDER fans
Annexair developed its own fan assembly in partnership with an European fan wheel manufacturer and an EC-PM motor manufacturer. Fan performances exceed all other fans in the industry.
2018
2019
Phase 2: Production staff transitioned to new St-Germain plant totaling 275 employees
Launch of our 2nd generation composite casings (biocomposite) at AHR Orlando
Eight years after launching the thermo-composite casings, we launched biocomposite casings made from recycled plastic bottles. The world’s first metal-free and the most sustainable casings on the planet.
2020
2020
Factory expansion – $7M investment
Addition of 72,000 sq. ft. for the production of Thermo-composite casing series. Plant is now 372,000 sq. ft.
Shipment of our 10,000th unit
2022
2023
The company reaches 430 employees
In that year, the company experienced remarkable success with a significant boost in sales and impressive growth. To support this expansion, we welcomed a substantial number of new employees, reflecting our commitment to scaling operations and seizing new opportunities.
Major factory expansion - $30M investment
This expansion will add an additional area of 150,000 square feet, as well as new state-of-the-art equipment. Once completed, the factory will occupy a total area of 500,000 square feet, making it one of the largest industrial buildings in Quebec.
The expansion will allow for the development of future innovations and R&D testing, which will include a new advanced climate chamber, equipment for testing, and a hands-on training center for Annexair Academy technicians.