Published on 30th April 2023
A generator is a type of power generation equipment that addresses the need for constant, guaranteed power. Based on output, generators are divided into AC Generators (alternating current) and DC generators (direct current).
Generators prevent discontinuity of daily activities and business operations by supplying electrical power during a power outage, backup power for critical applications, and even portable power for hard-to-reach locations.
Here are the most common types of generators based on energy source:
While a “genset” refers to a generator set (a generator and an engine combination), a generator is a device that transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Similarly, there is a difference between an electric motor and an electric generator.
The function of an electric motor (such as an industrial electric motor) is to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy to power equipment. However, an electric generator converts mechanical energy into electricity.
Keep reading to learn more about the world’s leading generator/genset manufacturers, including the top three leading players—Caterpillar Inc., Cummins Inc., and Generac Holdings, Inc.
Table of Contents
Global Top 10 Generator Manufacturers [2023]
Atlas Copco
Briggs & Stratton Corporation
Caterpillar Inc.
Cummins Inc.
Doosan Portable Power
Generac Holdings, Inc.
HIMOINSA
Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited
Kohler Co.
MTU Onsite Energy
Blackridge Research & Consulting – Global Generator Sets Market Report
Wrapping Up
Here are the world’s leading manufacturers of generators/generator sets (listed alphabetically):
Founded: 1873
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
The Atlas Copco Group was founded as “Atlas” (1873), which became “Atlas Diesel” (1917) before renamed “Atlas Copco” (1956). Today, the 150-year-old company has customers in 180+ countries.
Atlas Copco provides robust, reliable, and versatile generators with easy serviceability and excellent best-in-class fuel economy.
Atlas Copco’s generator portfolio includes:
Mobile Gas & Diesel Generators
QAX Mobile Diesel Generators
The Atlas Copco QAX mobile diesel generators (up to 100 kVA) provide uninterrupted power on the move. The single axle sturdy undercarriage with parking brakes makes these reliable generators easy to move on the site.
Moreover, the diesel generators come with a four-cylinder, high-performance engine and a highly efficient alternator and are flexible for a variety of applications (electrical pumps, wire saw-cutting machines, etc.).
Founded: 1908
Location: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, United States
Briggs & Stratton Corporation (Briggs & Stratton) began as a partnership between the inventor, Stephen F. Briggs, and the investor, Harold M. Stratton.
Whether it is getting the job done in the backyard or on the job site, Briggs & Stratton’s generators are ideal for a variety of power requirements and deliver power even in the most critical situations.
Briggs & Stratton offers the following generators:
Portable Inverter Generators
The following portable inverter generators are light, safe for sensitive equipment (like smartphone and laptop), and quieter than conventional camping generators.
The PowerSmart Series™ inverter generators are suitable for camping, RV travels, or other backup power needs.
Portable Petrol Generators
The following sturdy petrol generators provide portable power for appliances and tools and serve diverse needs—from getting the job done on the job site to restoring power to a home after a power outage.
Home Standby Generators
The following home generator systems can be installed to run on a home’s natural gas line and provide worry-free protection in the event of a power outage.
Founded: 1925
Location: Irving, Texas, United States
Caterpillar Inc. (Caterpillar) is a globally leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel-electric locomotives, industrial gas turbines, and off-highway diesel and natural gas engines.
Caterpillar mainly operates through three primary segments, including Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Energy & Transportation. The company also provides financing and related services through its Financial Products segment.
Caterpillar’s Electric Power Systems include a wide range of commercial and industrial generator sets used in a variety of applications.
Caterpillar provides the following generator sets:
Diesel Generator Sets (167 Models): Caterpillar’s diesel-fueled generator sets are known for high efficiency, global emissions compliance, and low fuel consumption. With power potential from 6–5,720 eKW (7.5–7,150 kVA), these generator sets are built to world-class standards, easy to install, and available in a variety of options matching customers’ power needs.
Gas Generator Sets (47 Models): Caterpillar’s easy-to-install gas generator sets range from 100–4,500 ekW (100–4,500 kVA) in a single unit. The industrial and commercial gas generator sets are proven for reliable operation with various gaseous fuels, such as biogas from digesters and landfills, coal gas, natural gas, propane, and alternative fuels.
Mobile Generator Sets (26 Models): Caterpillar’s natural gas and diesel mobile generators are engineered for easy transportation and fast installation. The mobile generators ensure reliable electric power for multiple uses, such as connecting a unit to a building, connecting multiple units in parallel, or providing power in a remote location.
Founded: 1919
Location: Columbus, Indiana, United States
Founded by Clessie Cummins, Cummins Inc. (Cummins) is a global power technology leader serving customers through a network of company-owned and independent distributor locations worldwide.
Cummins designs, manufactures, distributes, and services a broad range of power solutions. The company’s products range from electric and hybrid integrated power solutions to turbochargers and air handling systems.
Cummins’ generators are available to provide reliable power for every need—from data centers and hospitals to drilling and mining operations.
Cummins offers a comprehensive range of generators by the following applications, fuel types, and industries:
Application
Fuel Type
Industry
Furthermore, Cummins Service Training (CST) is a network of authorized technical training centers for Cummins Engine and Cummins Power Generation products. Cummins training facilities are located across the world, including Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, North America, and South America.
Founded: 1896 (The Doosan Group)
Location: Statesville, North Carolina, United States
Doosan Portable Power (DPP) is a company within the Doosan Group and is a market-leading manufacturer of air compressors, mobile generators, and light towers.
DPP offers the following portable generators:
25 kVA-70 kVA
DPP’s mobile generators are quiet and versatile and come equipped with standard features enhanced by several customizable options. These generators are designed to deliver optimum performance for any application, such as a construction site, concert, or an oilfield pump.
125 kVA-570 kVA
DPP’s large portable generator line-up is equipped with an extensive range of standard features plus customizable options for superior flexibility and versatility for every job. Some of the key features include accessible service points, reduced sound levels, and a user-friendly interface.
Founded: 1959
Location: Waukesha, Wisconsin, United States
Generac Holdings, Inc. (also known as “Generac Power Systems, Inc.” and “Generac”) is globally leading company that designs and manufactures energy technology solutions and other power generation products for commercial, industrial, and residential markets.
Generac offers the following generators under “Homeowners” and “Business & Industry” segments:
Portable Generators
Generac’s portable power products range from the smallest power inverters to 17,500-watt portable generators. The portable generators are ideal for construction, home backup, recreation, and tailgating. With automatic operation and 24/7/365 support from Wisconsin headquarters, Generac home backup generators offer a permanent solution to power outages for homeonwers.
Industrial Generators
Generac’s power solutions for industrial applications include gaseous generators, diesel generators, bi-fuel generators, as well as transfer switches and controllers. These generators are designed to meet the unique backup power needs of each business.
Mobile Generators
Generac mobile equipment is designed to withstand the most extreme environments and enable maximized efficiency and profit. These innovative solutions optimize operations streamline the workflow for construction, infrastructure, disaster response, O&G, mining and other professionals.
Generac mobile equipment solutions include mobile battery energy storage solutions, gaseous and diesel generators, mobile light towers, and mobile heaters.
Founded: 1982
Location: Murcia, Spain
HIMOINSA (a Yanmar company) is a world-renowned energy system manufacturer with production centers in Argentina, Brazil, China, France, India, Spain, and the U.S. The company also has various subsidiaries and a global distributor network.
HIMOINSA provides generator sets for various industries, such as construction, healthcare, data center, mining, telecom, and water treatment.
HIMOINSA’s portfolio of generator sets includes:
Generator Sets for Fixed Applications
Generator Sets for Telecom
Generator Sets for Mobile Applications
Founded: 1946
Location: Khadki, Pune, India
Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited (KOEL) is one of the world’s largest power-generating set manufacturers with four state-of-the-art manufacturing units, four regional offices, and 13 network offices spread across India.
Kirloskar Oil Engines is a leading manufacturer of diesel engines and generator sets for residential and commercial usage. The company has a global presence with customers in 50+ countries and a strong integrated distribution network.
In 2014, the company established a new brand identity “Kirloskar Green” for Kirloskar generators. According to the company, its “KOEL Green” is “India’s largest-selling and most trusted Genset brand for over a decade.”
Here are the key features of KOEL gensets:
Kirloskar Oil Engines offers the following generators/gensets:
Diesel Generator
Petrol Generator
Founded: 1873
Location: Kohler, Wisconsin, United States
Founded by John Michael Kohler, Kohler Co. (Kohler or KOHLER) is a well-established manufacturing company that is best known for its plumbing products and also for cabinetry, engines, furniture, and generators.
Kohler’s acquisition of SDMO created one of the world’s largest industrial generator manufacturers with 800+ locations worldwide.
Kohler manufactures industrial gensets up to 4 MW for standby, prime, and energy management applications. Kohler also offers marine, mobile, home, and portable generators apart from genuine spare parts and service.
Kohler provides the following generators:
Founded: 1969
Location: Friedrichshafen, Germany
Also known as “MTU,” MTU Onsite Energy (a Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG company) is a leading provider of industrial generators for high-demand power environments.
As a product and solution brand of Rolls-Royce, MTU offers world-class power solutions and complex life-cycle support for airports, healthcare facilities, data centers, independent power plants, and waste water treatment plants, among others.
MTU’s generator set portfolio includes:
Diesel generator sets
The following mtu diesel gensets are designed for low emissions, low fuel consumption, and maximum reliability (designed to operate even in extreme conditions):
Gas generator sets
The following gas generator sets are known for proven efficiency, flexibility, reliability, and the highest power density in class:
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The increasing demand for gensets in manufacturing industries, rapid industrialization, growing investments for upgrading aging T&D infrastructure, and the rise in demand for reliable power across a wide range of applications are creating growth opportunities in the generator sales market.
Available in various electrical and physical configurations, generators are an integral part of our daily lives. Apart from the basic functionalities of supplying electricity in the absence of a regular power supply or providing backup power/standby power, custom-engineered generators have been developed for diverse application environments.
For example, Taylor Power Systems provides a wide range of generators, including mobile generators, stationary generators, and specialized generators (for O&G operations).
Atlas Copco’s nitrogen generator range is also available for reliable, on-site nitrogen generation with unique “P.R.I.C.E.” benefits—Purity Control, Reduce Wastage, Increase Safety, Cost Savings, and Environment.
In addition, many operations rely on parallel (a way to increase power generation) generator sets to meet high energy output demands.
Using alternators (machines converting mechanical energy into AC electrical power) along with multiple generators provides the flexibility to adjust the load throughout the day. Leroy-Somer is a global leader in industrial alternators (10 kVA-35,000 kVA) and customized alternators for different types of generator sets and applications.
John Deere is another world-renowned manufacturer of agricultural, construction, and forestry equipment providing a variety of quality backup generators and generator accessories for homeowners and business owners.
Generator manufacturers worldwide ensure uninterrupted power supply with efficient, reliable, and versatile generators for residential, commercial, and industrial users.