The third-generation British manufacturer of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units, VES Andover Ltd, has made a major investment in smart automation to boost sustainability and innovation.
The company, which operates across more than 75,000 sq ft in Eastleigh, recently installed a 13-tonne machine that automates the process of bending metal sheets used to create parts of the units.
This machinery is expected to cut electricity consumption by 90 per cent by automating the process.
This latest development marks a significant point in the evolution of the family-run business, which has been designing and building high-performance air handling units since 1968.
The company’s products are used in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, leisure centres, commercial spaces and retail environments such as Sainsbury’s and John Lewis stores.
The purchase was made possible through a £425,000 Green Asset Finance package from Lloyds Bank.
“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.”
The investment is intended to support VES’s commitment to British manufacturing and sustainability goals, while complementing its zero-waste-to-landfill approach.
As demand for its AirDoor product, refurbishment services and bespoke air handling units increases, VES aims to scale up production without compromising its environmental values.
The new automated panel bender replaces ageing machinery, eliminating frequent costly repairs and further reducing waste.
The support from Lloyds Bank is expected to help VES continue to accelerate its growth and innovation.
Steve Sadler, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, said: “VES’s commitment to efficiency and sustainability made this investment a natural fit for our Green Asset Finance offering.
“The new machine will help VES increase production speed, minimise waste and support their growth objectives. We’re pleased to have been part of their journey and to have supported their strategic investment in the future of their operations.”