Knox Western eyes U.S. market growth with KB Delta

Knox Western, a longtime American manufacturer of reciprocating gas compressors, has announced a new strategic partnership with KB Delta that will see the California-based firm manufacture all KW designed valves and valve internals for their compressor systems. The move marks a key milestone in Knox Western’s push to modernize operations, reestablish its presence in North America, and position itself as a competitive force in natural gas and energy transition markets.

Knox Western, a longtime American manufacturer of reciprocating gas compressors, has announced a new strategic partnership with KB Delta that will see the California-based firm manufacture all KW designed valves and valve internals for their compressor systems.

Founded more than 90 years ago and based in Erie, Pennsylvania, Knox Western has built a global presence, supplying rugged compressor solutions to customers in over 70 countries. Yet, in recent decades, the company’s visibility in its home market waned. That changed in 2023 when Knox Western was acquired by the Didwania Group, a privately held multinational headquartered in Mumbai, India, with additional operations in Europe, China, and the United States.

The Didwania Group, led by a third-generation family of industrial entrepreneurs, owns and operates several companies across the energy infrastructure and rotating equipment sectors. The group’s portfolio includes manufacturers of reciprocating, diaphragm, and cryogenic compressors as well as CNG and hydrogen fueling systems. It has made a series of strategic acquisitions in the last five years to expand its global footprint and product offering.

“Knox Western has a strong product line that stretches from 30 to 1800 horsepower, but it had lost its domestic footprint,” said Ujjwal Didwania, CEO of Knox Western and a director in the Didwania Group. “We see enormous potential in revitalizing this American brand and bringing its focus back to the U.S. market, especially as demand grows for gas compressors in renewable natural gas, hydrogen, and carbon capture applications.”

Rebuilding and expanding in Erie

Since acquiring Knox Western, the Didwania Group has committed to keeping and growing U.S. manufacturing. The company is investing in new equipment, ramping up engineering capabilities, and working with state and local officials to finalize plans for a new manufacturing facility on a 14-acre site near its current Erie plant. The project is expected to significantly increase capacity and create new jobs in the region.

“We’re here for the long haul,” Didwania said. “This is not a three-year investment. We’re planning for 50 years. We believe in the U.S. as a place to do business and we’re excited to expand our presence here.”

A strategic valve manufacturing alliance

Central to Knox Western’s relaunch strategy is its partnership with KB Delta, one of North America’s largest precision valve component manufacturers. KB Delta, based in Southern California, will become the exclusive manufacturer of valves and valve internals for all Knox Western compressors.

Knox Western has always had its own proprietary valve designs, said George Giourof, head of KB Delta and son of founder Boris Giourof.

“We’re not just producing generic parts — we’re making mission-critical components that align exactly with their systems, Giourof said. “And we’re doing it using better materials and processes than before.”

The partnership also emphasizes responsiveness and inventory availability. Knox Western is stocking KB Delta valve components at its Erie facility to reduce lead times for OEM and aftermarket customers, a key improvement over previous years.

“Speed to market is critical, especially in the natural gas midstream sector,” Didwania said. “By aligning with KB Delta — another family-run, agile company — we can provide faster service, better parts, and greater value to our customers.”

Tailored solutions for a changing energy landscape

The Didwania Group brings deep experience in compressing a wide range of gases — from natural gas and hydrogen to cryogenic fluids and biogas. That expertise is being integrated into Knox Western’s product roadmap, which includes the development of new models specifically designed for applications in renewable fuels, clean hydrogen, carbon capture, and refinery services.

“There are only a handful of companies in the world with this level of compressor technology,” Didwania said. “We’re taking the best of what Knox Western has built and adding global engineering standards, documentation, and new product development. Our goal is to offer a true 360-degree product: quality machines, responsive service, and global application expertise.”

Reintroducing the brand to North America

While Knox Western compressors remain widely recognized in markets across Asia, Europe, and South America, the company’s new leadership is laser-focused on rebuilding domestic recognition.

“Believe it or not, we’re more well-known in Kazakhstan than in Kansas,” Didwania said. “That’s going to change. We want to make in America and sell in America.”

Giourof echoed the sentiment, saying, “Before Ujjwal’s team came in, the bar was set pretty low. But in just over a year, the transformation has been remarkable. They make fast decisions, ask smart questions, and most importantly, they listen. I see big things ahead.”

With investment flowing, domestic manufacturing expanding, and a focused partnership fueling parts production, Knox Western is betting that its next chapter will be its strongest yet — especially in the North American gas compression market.