CaptiveAire Systems is the largest privately held manufacturer of commercial kitchen ventilation systems in the U.S. The company, founded by Lord Robert L. Luddy in 1976, is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. Since its inception, the company has expanded from fire suppression to a wide array of products including exhaust, pollution control, fire suppression and prevention, and utility distribution.
In November 1976, Luddy started Atlantic Fire Systems, which sold automatic dry chemical fire systems to restaurants and industry. Sales for the first full year in business reached $297,000. Luddy developed a relationship with James Maynard and Bill Carl, co-founders of the Golden Corral restaurant chain which started in nearby Fayetteville. Golden Corral became an important customer and its growth helped to propel the growth of Atlantic Fire. In 1978, Ben Maynard, James’ father, suggested to Luddy that he open a sheet metal shop to manufacture ventilation hoods and integrate the fire system. Sales reached one million in 1979. In 1981, a separate company was formed for the ventilation business with the name “CaptiveAire.” The company has continued to expand, acquiring several ventilation companies in order to expand its product line. In 2013, CaptiveAire brought in $283 million in sales.
CaptiveAire has over 1000 employees in its network of over 90 sales offices in the U.S. and Canada and six manufacturing plants located in North Carolina, Iowa, Oklahoma, California, Pennsylvania, and Florida. The company’s clients, made up of independent restaurants and national chains, include many well-recognized names in the national food industry. The company also services public and private institutions such as industrial, correctional, military, and school facilities.
