It is with sadness that CAPS Australia recognises the recent passing of its founder Robert (Bob) McIntyre.

Having started work with Ingersoll Rand in Perth as a Service Clerk in 1970, an operational change in Australia from a direct sales model to a distribution network saw Bob lead the creation of “Compressed Air and Packaging Systems P/L” in January 1980.

In partnership with Kelvin Quinlan for the first five years, the business grew nationally to its current 10 branches, with thousands of employees and customers throughout the journey. So well know across the country by its acronym “CAPS”, its name was formally changed in November 1995 to “CAPS Australia”.

A revised descriptor for the business name also evolved overtime to describe the offering of the multi-brand, multi-channel business - Complete Air and Power Solutions representing the business’ expanded shift to delivering power generation solutions alongside the compressed air products. This was a direct reflection of Bob’s business acumen and leadership, plus a commitment to ensuring CAPS provided the range of products and services that customers needed.

While Bob’s full-time, day-to-day role in the business ended in 2009 with his “retirement”, he remained as director and Chairman of CAPS Australia until its acquisition by Ingersoll Rand in 2024. A full-circle moment from CAPS’ foundation.

From its beginnings as a business partnership, and subsequent growth to being a leader in the Australia Compressed Air and Power Generation industries, Bob’s passion was at the core of CAPS, growing its people and support of customers.

Bob is survived by wife Daphne, children Brett, Anne, Glenn and Rohan, and their families.

(Pictured: CAPS Australia founder Robert McIntryre (centre) pictured with grandson Rhys and son Glenn, at the CAPS Engineering facility in Perth.)