Top 7 China Compressor Companies 2025
China's compressor industry ranks among the world's largest, supplying everything from small reciprocating air compressors to large-scale centrifugal chillers for commercial HVAC. With the rapid expansion of new energy vehicles, heat pumps, and semiconductor manufacturing, Chinese compressor makers have diversified into specialized segments. The domestic market exceeded CNY 80 billion in 2024, with exports growing at 18% annually to Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Africa.
Hangzhou Xizi Forvorda
CNY 28.5B revenue
A joint venture between Xizi and Hitachi, Forvorda is a leading centrifugal chiller compressor manufacturer. Their R134a and R1234ze magnetic bearing compressors are installed in major data centers and commercial buildings across China.
Guangzhou Guangli (GL)
CNY 6.2B revenue
GL Compressor specializes in refrigeration scroll compressors for commercial refrigeration and heat pumps. They supply major Chinese white-goods brands including Haier, Midea, and Hisense.
Shanghai Hitachi (SHHI)
CNY 12.4B revenue
Shanghai Hitachi produces centrifugal and screw compressors for HVAC and industrial cooling. Their high-efficiency water-cooled chillers hold over 25% market share in commercial building projects in China.
Ningbo Sanhua Intelligent Controls
CNY 24.8B revenue
Sanhua is a global leader in four-way reversing valves and electronic expansion valves for HVAC systems. Their components are found in Tesla and BYD thermal management systems, making them a key NEV supply chain player.
Zhejiang Kaishan Compressor
CNY 9.7B revenue
Kaishan is China's largest screw air compressor manufacturer, offering oil-free and lubricated models. Their two-stage compression series achieves energy efficiency ratings above Grade 1 under China's national standards.
Sichuan Air Separation Plant Group
CNY 7.1B revenue
SASPG manufactures large-scale gas compressors for air separation, petrochemical, and natural gas processing. Their centrifugal compressors serve major steel mills and chemical complexes in western China.
Hunan Xiangjiang Air Compressor
CNY 2.8B revenue
Xiangjiang produces reciprocating and screw air compressors for mining, construction, and manufacturing. Their portable diesel compressors are widely used in infrastructure projects across Southeast Asia.
Comparison Table
| Company | HQ | Key Products | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xizi Forvorda | Hangzhou | Centrifugal Chillers | HVAC / Data Centers |
| GL Compressor | Guangzhou | Scroll Compressors | Heat Pumps |
| Shanghai Hitachi | Shanghai | Centrifugal/Screw | Commercial HVAC |
| Sanhua Controls | Ningbo | Valves & Components | NEV Thermal |
| Kaishan | Quzhou | Screw Air Compressors | Industrial Air |
| SASPG | Chengdu | Gas Compressors | Petrochemical |
| Xiangjiang | Changsha | Recip/Screw Air | Mining/Construction |
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is China's compressor manufacturing market?
China's compressor market exceeded CNY 80 billion in 2024, covering air compressors, refrigeration compressors, and gas compressors. The market grows at approximately 10% annually, driven by HVAC, NEV thermal management, and industrial automation demand.
Which Chinese companies dominate the NEV compressor segment?
Sanhua Intelligent Controls is the dominant component supplier for NEV thermal management, supplying electronic expansion valves and heat exchangers to Tesla, BYD, and NIO. For complete NEV compressors, Sanden China and Shanghai Hitachi are major producers.
What energy efficiency standards apply to Chinese compressors?
China mandates GB 19153 for air compressor energy efficiency, with Grade 1 being the highest. Leading manufacturers like Kaishan and Xizi Forvorda have achieved Grade 1 ratings across their product lines, offering 15-25% energy savings over older models.
Are Chinese compressor exports growing?
Chinese compressor exports have been growing at approximately 18% annually, with major markets in Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Africa. Air compressors and HVAC components are the primary export categories, with Ningbo Sanhua holding the largest share in global valve exports.
What is driving growth in heat pump compressors in China?
China's push for clean heating in northern provinces is driving massive demand for heat pump compressors. Government subsidies for coal-to-electricity conversion have created a CNY 50+ billion heat pump market, with scroll compressor demand growing at over 20% annually.