Originally founded in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1942, Guardair Manufacturing Corporation developed the very first "safety air gun" incorporating a safety air shield to protect the operator from "chip fly-back." This feature was patented, as were further technical innovations which followed. With a relentless focus on worker safety, Guardair introduced numerous innovative products throughout the 1970s and 1980s as Union Engineering. In 1994, the assets of Union Engineering were sold, and the name reverted to Guardair Corporation to better reflect the company's roots and mission. Since then, Guardair has grown significantly. To meet growing market demand and customer needs, Guardair moved to a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Expanding its product line, Guardair acquired Allpax Gasket Cutter Systems (1999), Nortech Vacuum Products (2004), and Air-Spade (2008). Guardair safety air guns feature exceptional performance including protection from chip fly-back, noise suppression, and syphon capabilities. Designed for safe, and effective cleaning, the line includes a wide-range of specialty air guns for a multitude of industrial applications. All meet OSHA Standards for cleaning with compressed air. Guardair safety air guns offer significant advantages in performance, dependability, safety, and life-cycle cost over conventional electric-powered safety air guns. Operating on compressed air, with no moving parts or electric motors to burn out, these powerful and versatile air guns are ideal for the toughest industrial environments.