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.