British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has celebrated its 90th anniversary, highlighting how sustained product innovation and circular economy practices continue to drive UK manufacturing growth.
Founded in 1936 by Joe Akester, inventor of the world’s first electric window fan, the Crawley-based business has supplied landmark buildings ranging from Winston Churchill’s Chartwell home to modern commercial developments.
Today, the company operates as a key model for regional manufacturing growth. Specifically, Vent-Axia demonstrates how traditional industrial firms can modernise operations through smart engineering and aggressive sustainability goals.
Circular Economy Partnerships Reduce Carbon Footprint by 40%
Sustainability now forms a core pillar of Vent-Axia’s growth strategy. The business aims to achieve Net Zero by 2040, a full decade ahead of the UK government’s 2050 target.
To reach this goal, the company embedded circular economy principles directly into its production line. Vent-Axia partnered with retailer AO to turn recycled fridge plastic into new ventilation products. Consequently, this closed-loop manufacturing process has reduced the carbon footprint of its product lines by up to 40%.
The initiative won the BEAMA Net Zero Collaboration Award and the Low Carbon Impact Award at the H&V News Awards. Furthermore, it keeps raw materials within the UK supply chain, protecting the business from volatile international plastic markets.
Product Innovation Drives Commercial Success
Alongside sustainable manufacturing, technical innovation remains essential for category leadership. Vent-Axia recently won ‘Domestic Ventilation Product of the Year’ at the HVR Awards for its Lo-Carbon PureAir Cleanse fan.
The unit represents the industry’s first continuous-running extract fan with an integrated indoor air quality sensor. By combining humidity tracking with real-time air monitoring, the device actively improves indoor environments for domestic and commercial users.
Managing Director Graham Sanders reflected on the company’s long-term trajectory: “From Joe Akester’s invention of the world’s first electrically-operated window fan in 1936 to the ventilation solutions we develop today, innovation has always been at the heart of our business. We are very proud of our British manufacturing heritage… As we celebrate 90 years of achievement, we look forward to continuing to innovate and develop ventilation solutions that improve the environments in which we live and work.”
Key Takeaways for Growth Hub Readers
- Leverage Circular Partnerships: Collaborating with supply chain partners to reuse raw materials cuts carbon emissions and protects margins against raw material price swings.
- Align R&D with Market Trends: Modernising core products to address growing health and environmental standards helps businesses secure industry awards and maintain market share.
- Set Clear ESG Milestones: Aiming for ambitious sustainability targets creates a distinct competitive advantage when bidding for commercial contracts.
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