April 17, 2001 — SAN JOSE, CA — The American commercial and industrial air filtration markets will get their second winds in the coming years, according to a new study which forecasts a significant jump in demand.

The markets generated $1.13 billion in revenues in 2000 and that number is expected to exceed $1.5 billion by 2007, according to a new study by Frost & Sullivan. Much of the increase will come from strict air quality standards, more vocal employees and tenants, and a boost in cleanroom environments.

“Despite the promise of a resurgence in demand, market participants will have to overcome some significant obstacles,” said Caryn Sykes, a Frost & Sullivan industry analyst. “A growing number of end users are pushing manufacturers to conform to a high level of performance, with quality checks and documentation to back it up.”

For example, cleanroom operators will continue to look to filters to tackle the issue of airborne molecular contamination and end users in the semiconductor industry are pushing for higher levels of cleanliness from HEPA filters.

“Many air filtration products are becoming commodity products,” said Sykes.

According the company however, price pressures will make it more difficult for many companies to produce high-quality filters and market participants will be forced to find ways to cut prices without cutting profits. Bolstering customer service, developing customized products and entering into strategic alliances will help those companies, the report states.