Abstract: A multi-stage screw compressor includes at least two stages of compression, each compressor stage including a pair of rotors driven to effect gas compression. Each compression stage is provided with independent variable speed drive means and a control unit for controlling the speeds of the independent drive means. The control unit includes processing means for processing signals generated by a plurality of devices monitoring operating parameters of the compressor, and adjusting the speed of the drive means to provide a required gas flow delivery rate and pressure, at least one of the monitoring devices monitoring the torque and at least one of the monitoring devices monitoring the speed of each drive means.