Our History
An independent, family-owned company, NOVAIR was founded in 1977 by Bernard ZENOU, in the Paris region.
Behind the technology offered by the company lies a singular human story, that of an entrepreneur at heart, who started this adventure in a garage, alongside his wife Maguy ZENOU, in charge of administration. With a degree in mechanical engineering, he began his career with a company specializing in compressed air, and quickly decided to move into this field, where he had already gained his first experience; NOVAIR was born.
Initially supplying compressors and vacuum pumps to users in healthcare and industry, the company gradually turned to larger-scale projects. In the early 90s, NOVAIR designed its first medical air and vacuum systems, then diversified into medical oxygen, making it a specialty.
An active member of ISO and AFNOR, NOVAIR participates in the drafting committees of most European and international standards concerning the production and distribution of oxygen and medical fluids. Today, the medical oxygen generator has a regulatory framework for which Bernard Zenou, NOVAIR's founding president, fought for many years.
NOVAIR and COVID19
It was the COVID epidemic that revealed to the world the essential contribution of Novair stand-alone generators. The need for medical oxygen multiplied, in the four corners of the world and even in the most isolated places. Novair emerged as an essential resource, and became the preferred partner of WHO, UNOPS and UNDP, as well as NGOs such as MSF, UNICEF, and Partners In Health.
Oxygenate the world
Today, thousands of hospitals on every continent are equipped to make medical oxygen accessible to all, at all times. Novair not only helps people breathe easier but also our planet, since its approach avoids the carbon emissions associated with transporting gas cylinders by road. More oxygen, less carbon: that's our program.
Novair also embodies a more humane social model. With some 100 employees in France and more than 200 abroad, it favors a model that promotes the equitable sharing of wealth and genuine attention to well-being within the company.
An ambition and a battle
In 1995, Bernard ZENOU adapted a technology originally intended for oxygen concentrators for home treatment of
patients suffering from respiratory insufficiency, using a molecular sieve to separate oxygen and nitrogen.
A forerunner, he saw the potential, worked on improving the technology, and decided to deploy it on a larger
scale, within the hospital. NOVAIR became the first player in Europe to offer systems for the highly innovative
on-site production of medical oxygen. Despite its obvious potential, the generator aroused skepticism and
reluctance. The creator embarked on a bitter battle to impose this technology, in which he firmly believed,
but had to contend with competition from highly influential multinationals.
An active member of ISO and AFNOR, NOVAIR participates in the drafting committees of most European and
international standards concerning the production and distribution of oxygen and medical fluids. Today,
the medical oxygen generator has a regulatory framework for which Bernard Zenou, NOVAIR's founding
president, fought for many years.
NOVAIR and COVID19
It was the COVID epidemic that revealed to the world the essential contribution of Novair stand-alone
generators. The need for medical oxygen multiplied, in the four corners of the world and even in the
most isolated places. Novair emerged as an essential resource, and became the preferred partner of WHO,
UNOPS and UNDP, as well as NGOs such as MSF, UNICEF, and Partners In Health.
Oxygenate the World
Today, thousands of hospitals on every continent are equipped to make medical oxygen accessible to all,
at all times. Novair not only helps people breathe easier but also our planet, since its approach avoids
the carbon emissions associated with transporting gas cylinders by road. More oxygen, less carbon:
that's our program.
Novair also embodies a more humane social model. With some 100 employees in France and more than 200
abroad, it favors a model that promotes the equitable sharing of wealth and genuine attention to
well-being within the company.
Awards
Technologies for every need
With over 45 years of experience, NOVAIR has developed in-depth knowledge of all air separation technologies for on-site nitrogen or oxygen production and offers the widest choice of generators on the market. Depending on the flow rate and purity required, NOVAIR offers the most appropriate technology:
