Nanaimo, B.C. – VMAC has released its 2021 State of the Mobile Compressed Air Industry Report. The company highlighted and analyzed industry trends between November 2020 and February 2021, and compiled a compelling report on where the air compression industry is headed.
The survey was completed by a variety of professionals in the mobile compressed air industry. VMAC surveyed 355 people, and each participant spent time answering questions about their perspective on the industry.
Below is a look at the findings.
Owners and operators/mechanics represent 71% of the respondents, a rising number from last year’s 55%. Construction industry was most represented at 42% of the respondents, followed by agriculture and then transportation.
Service trucks are most used for general equipment repair at 64%, followed by heavy equipment repair at 55%.
Findings also show that lighter truck class sizes and regular vehicle replacements for service trucks are emphasized from users, while alternative fuel vehicles such as electric have a surprisingly low adoption rate.
Most service vehicles are replaced every 3-9 years, which may result in a slower shift before we will see more zero-emission trucks on the road.
Results also show the majority of respondents only carry 1 to 5 service trucks within their fleet. There is a surprising divide between companies who have air compressors in their service vehicles and those that do not. Thirty percent of companies have less than 10% of its vehicles equipped with air compressors, while on the opposite end 40% of companies have 100% of their vehicles equipped with air compressors.
This result is startling considering air compressors were voted as the most important piece of equipment by 65% of all respondents.
Results also show 8 out of 10 respondents prefer rotary screw air compressors over reciprocating air compressors for their service vehicles. Further assessment indicates that reciprocating air compressors are chosen for ease of repair, with price being the second largest factor.
After over a year in a pandemic, nearly half of the respondents indicated that the lockdowns and lack of business opportunities negatively impacted their businesses. Common challenges included increased employee absences, cancelled service contracts, and internal equipment/truck purchase delays.
Looking on the bright side, half of the respondents are optimistic that business conditions will improve in the next 12 months. Compared to 2020’s 44%, 82% of respondents plan to invest in the same amount or more into acquiring new vehicles and equipment in 2021.
“VMAC’s state of the industry report is a fantastic way for owners, operators, and fleet managers in the various industries that utilize mobile air to gain insight into their industry and peers,” said Todd Gilbert, President of VMAC. “Nobody else is doing research like this in our space and we are proud to share this information with the customers and colleagues we serve every day.”