Kobe Steel Ltd has started marketing new models of the Emeraude-ALE series of oil-free standard air compressors from this month. The new compressors have achieved the world?s highest class of energy efficiency and one of the lowest levels of noise during operation, according to the company. In addition to Japan, the same models of this global strategic product will be manufactured at overseas locations for sale in world markets. Kobe Steel has initially launched compressor models with equivalent specifications of 120-160 kW. Plans call for the lineup to be gradually expanded in the future.