A Century of Breakthrough Engineering: Celebrating 100 years of IMI Norgren products

Reflecting on a Century of Innovation

In 1925, while the world watched the first television signals flicker to life, Carl Norgren was beginning work on an idea that would change engineering forever. Shortly after founding his company, he designed the world's first automatic airline lubricator right from his kitchen table. This single invention was the seed from which IMI Norgren products grew, marking the start of a century-long journey in pneumatic motion control.

This year, we proudly celebrate that 100-year legacy. It's a story of relentless innovation, from a humble drawing on a napkin to a global portfolio of trusted engineering solutions, celebrating our achievements to date, and looking forward to a future of Breakthrough Engineering.

From a Kitchen Table to a Global Leader

Every great company has an origin story. Ours began with Carl Norgren's vision to solve a common engineering problem. His airline lubricator was a pioneering innovation that revolutionised the efficiency and reliability of pneumatic tools. This spirit of practical problem-solving became the foundation of the IMI Norgren brand.

For the last 100 years, that initial spark of ingenuity has remained. We have consistently been at the forefront of motion control technology, building a reputation for engineering excellence. Our journey has been one of growth and collaboration, thriving under the IMI brand. This has expanded our capabilities, allowing us to tackle some of the world’s most complex engineering and industrial automation challenges.

Today, IMI Norgren products are recognised across the globe as a high-quality portfolio that powers industries and improves lives. Our technologies are integral to critical sectors including factory automation, food & beverage, hydrogen, industrial process control, material handling, and rail.

At the heart of our success are the products that engineers have come to trust. Our solutions are designed for reliability, safety, and efficiency, forming the backbone of countless industrial applications.

Shaping the future of motion control

A centenary is not just a time for reflection; it's a moment to look forward. While we honour the legacy of Carl Norgren, our focus is firmly on the future. As part of IMI, we are dedicated to delivering the next generation of Breakthrough Engineering solutions.

This commitment is about more than just developing new products. It’s about anticipating the needs of a changing world. We are actively involved in developing technologies that support sustainability and drive progress in emerging fields. From energy-efficient pneumatic systems to components for the growing hydrogen economy, we are engineering a better, more sustainable future.

A journey we share together

Reaching 100 years is an achievement not accomplished alone. It is a testament to the enduring trust of our customers, the dedication of our employees, and the strong partnerships we have built with suppliers around the world.

As we step into our next century, our mission remains clear. We will continue to push the boundaries of engineering, create solutions that make a real-world impact, and build a legacy of innovation for the generations to come. We invite you to continue this journey with us as we shape the next 100 years of opportunities, together.