SUTRAK began in the early 1970’s near Stuttgart Germany. The company quickly expanded globally when international patents were awarded for roof mounted HVAC systems. Eighteen international markets grew covering 6 of 7 continents. Company co-founder, Hugh Ferdows, personally opened the U.S. market in 1981.

Production facilities were established in Lamar Colorado when then Governor Richard Lamb was promoting southeastern Colorado development. A second facility to assist in supporting the Denver Regional Transportation District was started in Commerce City, Colorado. This site would eventually be re-tasked as our main headquarters and later expanded as our main manufacturing site.

In 1996, the company’s phenomenal global growth attracted the interest of United Technologies, who acquired the international markets. The North American market was left out of the sale and continues as a privately held corporation.

At the time of the sale, the original patents for roof mounted systems were ending and our competitors were now embracing the concept and design of roof mounted technology. The need for a new generation of HVAC systems was just on the horizon and by 2002, SUTRAK was ready to launch electric HVAC systems for buses.

We have compiled a long list of patents for HVAC technology and design. With numerous transit authorities now interested in maximizing on electric components, our ACE (electric) systems are poised take a significant position in the transit bus HVAC market. Sutrak designers and engineers continue to drive innovation and excellence in transportation HVAC.