Giles Foodservice Equipment Advances On-Site Nitrogen Generation With New ELGi Air Compression System, Will Save $500,000 Over Next Decade

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Giles Foodservice Equipment is reducing its reliance on delivered liquid nitrogen by generating it on-site, a move projected to save the company $500,000 over the next decade. Powered by an ELGi air compressor and implemented with Mobile Mechanical Services, the new system supports continuous-duty manufacturing and future growth.

Using compressed air, the system separates nitrogen from ambient air and delivers it directly to Giles’ laser cutting operations. By producing nitrogen on-site at the required purity levels for cutting stainless steel components, the company gains direct control over a critical manufacturing input.

“Bulk liquid nitrogen served its purpose for a long time, but it also created uncertainty,” said Josh Blalock, manufacturing engineering manager at Giles Foodservice Equipment. “Producing nitrogen on-site gives us control over our supply and removes a variable from the manufacturing process. That stability is important as we plan for the future.”

Moving to on-site nitrogen

To support the transition, Giles partnered with Mobile Mechanical Services to design an on-site generation system centered on an ELGi air compressor. Rather than forcing an immediate cutover, the system was engineered to give the manufacturer greater control while supporting current needs and future expansion.

“This was about giving Giles Foodservice Equipment greater control over its nitrogen strategy,” said Nathan Toro, sales consultant at Mobile Mechanical Services. “On-site generation puts control back in the hands of the manufacturer and creates a more stable foundation.”

Designed for manufacturing use

At the core of the system is an ELGi EG75 VFD rotary screw air compressor. The 100-horsepower compressor delivers up to 375 CFM of compressed air at 100 PSI, providing the consistent airflow required for stable nitrogen generation. Its variable-frequency drive adjusts output based on demand, maintaining efficiency during fluctuating production.

By offsetting liquid nitrogen deliveries with on-site generation, Giles has gained predictable operating costs and reduced exposure to supply interruptions. Over a 10-year horizon, the company expects approximately $500,000 in savings as production scales.

“The financial side matters, but the real value is control,” Blalock added. “Knowing we can generate what we need, when we need it, changes how we think about our operation.”