Marathon | X-ON

In a world driven by automation, electrification, and energy efficiency, the need for reliable and high-performance electric motors and generators has never been more critical. From manufacturing plants to agricultural fields, HVAC systems to renewable energy projects, Marathon Electric has been a long-standing partner in delivering dependable motion and power solutions.

With a heritage of innovation and engineering excellence, Marathon Electric is widely recognized for producing industrial-grade electric motors, generators, and related components that support continuous operation in even the most demanding environments.

Company Overview

• Name: Marathon Electric

• Founded: 1913

• Headquarters: Wausau, Wisconsin, USA

• Parent Company: Regal Rexnord Corporation

• Global Reach: Operations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America

• Core Products: AC and DC Motors, Generators, Custom Motor Solutions

Marathon Electric has earned a reputation for durability, quality, and innovation—supplying motors and power systems to thousands of OEMs, distributors, and end users across the globe.

Legacy and Growth

Founded over a century ago in the USA, Marathon began as a manufacturer of electric motors for industrial applications. Through the years, it has grown into a globally respected brand offering a wide range of motor solutions for HVAC, agriculture, food processing, water treatment, oil & gas, and more.

The company became part of Regal Beloit Corporation in 1997, which later merged with Rexnord PMC to form Regal Rexnord Corporation—a global leader in motion control, power transmission, and automation solutions.

Core Product Portfolio

Marathon Electric designs and manufactures a wide variety of motors and generators engineered for reliability, efficiency, and performance. Their portfolio covers:

1. AC Motors

Marathon offers a complete line of single-phase and three-phase AC induction motors for general and specialty applications.

• General Purpose Motors: Available in NEMA frames, suited for pumps, compressors, conveyors

• Definite Purpose Motors: Designed for HVAC, farm duty, jet pumps, fan cooling systems

• Explosion-Proof Motors: For hazardous locations with flammable gases or dust

• Washdown Duty Motors: IP-rated and corrosion-resistant for food processing and wet environments

• IEC Motors: Metric motors built for global use and replacement parts compatibility

2. DC Motors

Marathon’s permanent magnet and wound field DC motors are ideal for variable-speed applications such as:

• Treadmills and exercise equipment

• Elevators and hoists

• Machine tools and packaging equipment

Features include high starting torque, wide speed range, and compact designs.

3. Marathon SyMAX® Motors

These are premium-efficiency permanent magnet AC motors designed to exceed IE4 and NEMA Premium® standards.

• High torque density

• Low heat generation

• Energy-efficient operation

• Suitable for VFD (variable frequency drive) applications

SyMAX® motors are ideal for HVAC fans, pumps, and commercial compressors.

4. Generators

Marathon Electric also manufactures alternators and generator heads for standby and prime power applications.

• Diesel or gas-powered generator systems

• Brushless and self-regulated

• Range: 5 kW to 4 MW

• Compliant with NEMA MG1, UL, and CSA standards

Applications include hospitals, data centers, agricultural backup power, and marine environments.

Industry Applications

Marathon motors are found in critical systems across industries. Their durability, customization options, and high efficiency make them ideal for:

a. HVAC and Refrigeration

• Condenser and evaporator fans

• Air handlers and blowers

• Pumps and compressors

b. Water and Wastewater

• Submersible pumps

• Lift station motors

• Aeration systems

c. Agriculture and Irrigation

• Silo unloaders and grain elevators

• Pivot irrigation systems

• Manure pumps and ventilation fans

d. Industrial Machinery

• Conveyors, extruders, and grinders

• Packaging and bottling equipment

• Textile and printing machines

e. Oil and Gas

• Pump jacks

• Chemical dosing systems

• Explosion-proof motors for hazardous areas

f. Food and Beverage Processing

• Stainless steel washdown motors

• Mixers, slicers, and chillers

• Packaging conveyors

Engineering and Custom Solutions

Marathon Electric offers engineered-to-order motor solutions, tailored to specific customer requirements. This includes:

• Custom shaft dimensions and mountings

• Special voltage and frequency combinations

• Enclosure modifications (TEFC, TENV, ODP, XP)

• High ambient temperature motors

• Custom paint and corrosion-resistant finishes

Their engineering team works closely with OEMs and system integrators to optimize performance, minimize downtime, and extend product life.

Energy Efficiency and Compliance

Marathon Electric is deeply invested in sustainability and energy-saving technologies, offering motors that comply with:

• NEMA Premium® efficiency standards

• IE2, IE3, and IE4 global efficiency levels

• Department of Energy (DOE) and EPACT regulations

• CSA and UL certifications for North American markets

• CE and IEC compliance for European and international use

The SyMAX® and high-efficiency induction motors help customers reduce energy bills, cut carbon footprints, and qualify for utility rebates.

Design Features and Technology

1. MAX Guard® Insulation System

Provides superior protection against voltage spikes caused by variable frequency drives (VFDs), extending motor life.

2. Regal VFD Compatibility

Many Marathon motors are built with inverter-duty ratings, including reinforced insulation, thermal protection, and high torque characteristics at low speeds.

3. Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled (TEFC) and Open Drip Proof (ODP) Designs

Suitable for varying environmental conditions, from clean indoor use to outdoor and washdown environments.

4. CoolBLUE® Inductive Filters

For use with VFDs, these filters protect motors from bearing damage caused by high-frequency currents.

Global Manufacturing and Distribution

Marathon Electric maintains a global manufacturing footprint, with production facilities in:

• USA (Wausau, WI and Monterrey, Mexico)

• India (Chennai and Faridabad)

• China

• Europe (Hungary)

Backed by Regal Rexnord’s distribution network, Marathon products are available across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, ensuring:

• Fast delivery

• Local inventory support

• Technical service and documentation in multiple languages

Quality Assurance and Certifications

All Marathon Electric motors go through rigorous testing and quality control to ensure reliability under demanding conditions.

Certifications and compliances include:

• ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems

• CSA, UL, and CE product certifications

• Hazardous Location Ratings (Class I, Div 1 & 2; Class II, Div 2)

• Explosion-proof and Intrinsically Safe Options

• RoHS and REACH Compliant designs

Customer Support and Tools

Marathon Electric supports customers with a suite of technical tools and resources:

• Online motor selection guide and configurator

• CAD drawings and 3D models

• Installation manuals and data sheets

• Energy savings calculators

• Application engineering support

Their field engineers and technical service teams are trained to assist with motor sizing, troubleshooting, retrofits, and performance optimization.

Use Case Examples

1.  Industrial Conveyor Systems

A global packaging company uses Marathon’s NEMA Premium® motors with VFDs to operate 24/7 conveyors, increasing energy efficiency by 25% and reducing maintenance cycles.

2. Wastewater Pump Stations

A municipal utility relies on Marathon's severe-duty motors for submersible pumps, which are corrosion-resistant and built for continuous use in high-humidity environments.

3. Grain Handling in Agriculture

A large Midwestern farm deploys Marathon’s farm-duty motors in grain elevators and silo unloaders, designed to withstand dust, vibration, and moisture.

4. Data Center HVAC

A data center operator in Europe uses SyMAX® motors with high-efficiency air handling systems to reduce energy costs and improve cooling performance under variable loads.

Why Choose Marathon Electric?

• Proven Durability – Designed for harsh and continuous-use environments

• Energy Savings – High-efficiency motors that reduce operational costs

• Global Availability – Ready-to-ship inventory across the world

• Engineering Support – Custom solutions tailored to customer needs

• Compliance and Safety – Certified motors for global applications

Whether you need a general-purpose motor or a complex, hazardous-area drive system, Marathon Electric delivers with precision, performance, and peace of mind.

Conclusion

With more than a century of innovation, Marathon Electric remains a cornerstone in industrial motion and power technologies. As part of Regal Rexnord, the brand continues to evolve, offering smarter, more energy-efficient motor and generator solutions for a fast-changing world.

Whether you’re building a new factory, automating agriculture, upgrading HVAC systems, or designing custom OEM equipment, Marathon Electric is a name you can trust—for performance that runs like clockwork.