What happens when a company takes matters into its own hands—literally? For Portacool, it meant transforming a supply challenge into a breakthrough innovation. The result: Kuul™ evaporative media, the only rigid evaporative media made in the USA and trusted across industries from agriculture to advanced data centers.
But how did Kuul media come to be the industry benchmark? Let’s take a look back.
Founded in 1990, Portacool initially purchased evaporative media from external suppliers. But by the mid-1990s, recurring supply chain issues were slowing progress and limiting control over product quality. Determined to fix the problem, founders James Campbell and Fred Wulf launched an initiative to develop and manufacture evaporative media internally.
Internally known as “Project X,” the venture required a new facility, a dedicated team, and a complete rethinking of the production process. It was an all-hands effort. The company simultaneously built the new plant, and the machinery needed to create its first run of media.
By the end of 1996, Portacool had successfully completed both the facility and its first internally produced piece of evaporative media.
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Developing a reliable, high-performing product took over a year of hands-on experimentation. From tweaking machinery to testing adhesives and papers, the team remained focused on achieving quality that met their exacting standards.
By 1997, Portacool began selling its media to owners of fixed evaporative cooling systems like poultry houses and greenhouses. In 1998, the company made a pivotal move: installing its proprietary media in Portacool portable evaporative coolers for the first time.
Once the media proved itself in the field, there was no turning back. Portacool phased out third-party suppliers and began scaling up production. Demand skyrocketed. The newly branded Kuul Pads earned praise at major poultry expos and agricultural trade shows, quickly becoming a recognized name in the industry.
The company expanded to four production lines just to keep up with sales.
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In 2017, Portacool officially rebranded its evaporative media line as Kuul™, a move that positioned the product not just as a component, but as a brand synonymous with innovation, quality, and performance.
In August 2023, a new chapter began. Kuul Evaporative Technologies, formerly a division of Portacool, transitioned to operate under Condair, a global leader in humidification, dehumidification, and evaporative cooling solutions.
Condair’s 75-year legacy of excellence and innovation perfectly complements Kuul’s own. Under the direction of Silvan Meier, the realignment positions both brands to reach new heights—together.
“This formalized transition will allow us to solidify the Kuul offering for our exceptional customer base,” states Scott Stanfield, Kuul VP of Sales and Marketing. “Our team will continue to drive evaporative technologies forward.”
By July 2024, the transition was complete. Kuul Evaporative Technologies is now officially Condair Evaporative Technologies. This strategic integration brings together Kuul’s deep knowledge of evaporative media and Condair’s extensive systems expertise.
With a newly built and operational 400,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Richmond, Virginia, Kuul’s commitment to American-made quality remains stronger than ever, while enabling increased production capacity and global reach.
Expanded Product Lineup: From standalone media to integrated evaporative cooling systems, customers can now access a broader range of solutions, including new systems like the ME Series, which delivers efficient humidification and cooling with low energy use.
Custom Solutions: No two projects are the same. That’s why Condair Evaporative Technologies works closely with clients to develop tailored solutions that solve complex cooling and humidification challenges.
Global Scale, Local Expertise: With Condair’s 27 wholly owned sales and service divisions, Kuul’s solutions now reach more industries and geographies than ever before, from data centers to gas turbines to mission-critical HVAC systems.
From its humble beginnings to its role as a cornerstone of Condair’s global offering, Kuul evaporative media continues to lead with purpose. It remains the only rigid evaporative media made in the USA, delivering consistency, control, and cutting-edge performance across applications.
With unmatched durability, American craftsmanship, and a global support network, Kuul remains and always will be the name to trust in evaporative cooling.
Join us as we continue to lead the way in adiabatic technology under our new name, Condair Evaporative Technologies. Together, we are committed to driving efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in every market we serve.
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