About Us » History

The Present:

For over 40 years, TEMP-AIR, Inc. has been the largest provider of temporary heating and cooling solutions to the North American construction industry. Our 140,000 sq ft. headquarters and manufacturing facility in Burnsville, Minnesota is home to our sales, service, engineering, and research and design teams. With an additional 12 offices across the United States, service is available year-round and nationwide.

The Past:

In the early 1950’s, Dean C. Rupp envisioned that the construction industry could operate year-round, even in the cold winter months, by using portable temporary heaters. Prior to that, it was common for construction sites to close down for the winter. In 1963, Rupp’s idea became a reality with an order for direct-fired make-up air heaters. Standard Construction, the forerunner of Knutson Construction Company, gave Rupp Industries an order for two heaters for their Ramsey Hospital project. On the strength of that order TEMP-HEAT® was born, thus revolutionizing winter construction forever.

In 1965, Rupp Industries continued its growth by manufacturing permanent make-up air systems for commercial use. What is make-up air? Basically, make-up air is air from the outdoors that is heated and evenly distributed indoors in a controlled manner to replace the air that is being exhausted. This drier, tempered, fresh air has the ability to absorb the moisture and ventilate the fumes from the construction process. It provides lower relative humidity levels and dew point temperatures inside the building to prevent condensation and minimize the potential for mold. Make-up air also reduces hot and cold spots, allowing more uniform interior and surface temperatures.

In 1996, TEMP-COOL® temporary cooling and dehumidifying was added to the services Rupp Industries offered to the construction, industrial, and special event markets. TEMP-COOL® brand equipment provides cost effective cooling and dehumidifying systems from simple spot cooling to sophisticated long-term solutions.

In 1999 the permanent make-up air systems, RUPP Air Management Systems (RAMS) division, was sold to allow increased focus on the rental of temporary equipment. Recognizing the need to offer customers a more complete package of temporary heaters and air conditioners, Rupp Industries re-branded itself under the name of TEMP-AIR®. During this same time Rupp Industries began to manufacture TOPAZ®, a line of industrial-grade portable air conditioners, and Thermal Remediation from TEMP-AIR® was also introduced.

TOPAZ® portable air conditioners are assembled in the U.S. and are designed for portability and convenience. The TOPAZ® line consists of six models, offering from 14,000-77,500 BTU/hr. TOPAZ® portable air conditioners are now available for rent in the TEMP-AIR fleet, and for sale through a national network of distributors.

Environmental concerns, insect resistance to chemicals, and consumer preference spurred the need for non-chemical pest control alternatives for ozone depleting substances such as Methyl Bromide. To meet that need, Thermal Remediation from TEMP-AIR® was developed as the safest, most effective and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fumigation or fogging. This patented process uses dry heat to kill the entire life cycle of all insects, in any size structure, without damage to the building, and leaves no toxic fumes. This process is being utilized successfully in the food processing industry, the pest control industry, and the wood pallet industry.

In 2007, after months of negotiation, an investment group purchased Rupp Industries. As part of the ownership change, the company changed its name to TEMP-AIR, Inc. Today, TEMP-AIR® is recognized as America’s leading provider of temporary, portable heating, cooling, and dehumidifying services to the U.S. construction industry. TEMP-AIR, Inc. is a privately held company headquartered in Burnsville, MN and has 11 regional offices nationwide.

The Future:

“It is my hope to build upon the tradition at TEMP-AIR of attracting quality employees, manufacturing quality products, and giving our customers outstanding service.” -Jim Korn, CEO