A third-generation British manufacturer of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units is stepping up its sustainability and innovation drive following a major investment in smart automation.
Based in Eastleigh, Hampshire, VES Andover, operates from more than 75,000 sq. ft. across two sites, designing and building ventilation products used in schools, hospitals, leisure centres, commercial spaces and retail environments – including Sainsbury’s and John Lewis stores.
The recent installation of state-of-the-art machinery will see VES substantially increase its output capability while cutting electricity consumption by 90%, by automating the process of bending metal sheets into the precise shapes needed to create crucial parts of these units.
The 13-tonne machine is the latest chapter in the evolution of the family-run business, which has been creating high-performance air handling units – the heart of HVAC units managing the ventilation and circulation of air- since 1968.
As demand grows for its award-winning AirDoor product, refurbishment services and bespoke air handling units, VES is scaling up production without compromising its environmental values. The new automated panel bender replaces ageing machinery, eliminating frequent costly repairs, improving product consistency and significantly reducing waste.
The purchase of the machine was made possible due to a Green Asset Finance package from Lloyds, which provided £425,000 in funding. The bank’s support ensures that VES can accelerate growth, drive innovation and maintain its commitment to British manufacturing – all while aligning with its long-term sustainability goals.
The investment complements VES’s zero-waste-to-landfill approach and forms part of a wider strategy to modernise operations while reducing environmental impact.
Will Peters, Marketing Director at VES, said: “This investment is crucial for the continued growth and efficiency of our operations. We have the ability to manufacture everything in-house which allows for customisation and quality control, and this machine helps us take that even further, while reducing waste and energy use. We’re proud to keep growing here in Hampshire while staying true to the values the company was founded on.”
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