Our History
A Legacy of Innovation in Indoor Air Technology
Since 1963, SEMCO has been at the forefront of developing advanced HVAC technologies that improve indoor environments and building efficiency.
What began as a small sheet-metal fabrication shop with just five employees, has grown into a recognized innovator in air movement, energy recovery, humidity control, and acoustic air systems, serving commercial and institutional buildings across North America and beyond.
Today, as part of FläktGroup, SEMCO continues to advance the science of indoor air solutions through engineering innovation, research, and manufacturing excellence.
Our Journey
Over the past six decades, SEMCO has consistently introduced technologies that have shaped modern HVAC systems, particularly in the areas of energy recovery, ventilation, and humidity control.
What began as a fabrication company evolved into a technology-driven manufacturer known for pioneering desiccant energy recovery systems and integrated ventilation solutions.
Timeline of Innovation
SEMCO is established in Columbia, Missouri, as a sheet-metal fabrication company with a team of five employees.
The company quickly gains recognition for high-quality ductwork and custom HVAC components for commercial buildings.
As building ventilation and indoor air quality become more important in building design, SEMCO expands its engineering capabilities and begins developing advanced air handling technologies.
During this period, the company builds expertise in:
- HVAC duct systems
- Acoustic air systems
- Custom air handling equipment
SEMCO launches the FP Air Handling Unit, marking an important step in the company’s evolution from fabrication to engineered HVAC systems.
This product helps establish SEMCO as a manufacturer of complete air treatment solutions.
SEMCO develops the 3Å molecular sieve desiccant, a technology that enables efficient transfer of both heat and moisture between air streams.
Independent research, including testing conducted by the Georgia Tech Research Institute, confirms the effectiveness of the technology for energy recovery and humidity control.
This innovation becomes the foundation for SEMCO’s energy recovery systems.
SEMCO introduces the Pinnacle® system, one of the first intelligent ventilation systems designed to manage:
- Fresh air ventilation
- Humidity control
- Building energy consumption
The system allows buildings to provide 100% outside air ventilation while maintaining energy efficiency.
SEMCO opens a dedicated ASHRAE-84 compliant research and development laboratory in Columbia, Missouri.
This facility supports:
- Product testing
- HVAC technology development
- Energy recovery research
The lab plays a critical role in developing next-generation HVAC technologies.
SEMCO installs its True 3Å desiccant technology in major research laboratories, including installations at Johns Hopkins University.
These systems demonstrate the ability to maintain strict humidity and air quality requirements in highly sensitive environments.
SEMCO becomes part of FläktWoods, a global leader in air technology.
This partnership expands SEMCO’s global reach and engineering capabilities.
SEMCO continues to expand its portfolio with technologies including:
- High-capacity chilled beams for the U.S. market
- Advanced energy recovery systems
- Integrated dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS)
These technologies support modern buildings that demand higher ventilation rates and lower energy consumption.
Today, SEMCO operates as part of FläktGroup, a global leader in indoor air technology.
The company continues to design and manufacture advanced HVAC systems that combine:
- Ventilation
- Humidity control
- Energy recovery
- Indoor air quality technologies
SEMCO solutions are used in:
- Hospitals and laboratories
- Universities and schools
- Office and commercial buildings
- Data centers
- Government facilities
- Casinos
- Hospitality
Through continued innovation, SEMCO remains focused on creating healthier and more energy-efficient indoor environments for the buildings of tomorrow.
Looking Ahead
As buildings evolve to meet new standards for energy efficiency, sustainability, and indoor air quality, SEMCO continues to invest in research and engineering innovation.
The company remains committed to advancing technologies that deliver healthier indoor environments while reducing the energy footprint of modern buildings.