An air compression specialist has set out plans to significantly increase turnover following a move to a larger headquarters in Hertford. The relocation is central to the Air Energy Hertford headquarters expansion, which is designed to support rising demand and long term growth.
Air Energy supplies and maintains air compressors and vacuum pumps for customers in the UK and overseas. Its systems take in air, store it under pressure and then release it to generate power for a wide range of tools and machinery.
The technology is used in settings where reliability and safety are essential. Applications range from breathing apparatus for firefighters to equipment used in nuclear powerplants, placing the business within specialist and regulated industries.
The company employs 25 people and has secured a £1m commercial mortgage and invoice finance facility from Lloyds to acquire a new 8,000 sq ft base in Hertford. The funding underpins the Air Energy Hertford headquarters expansion and supports its wider ambitions.
The new headquarters is more than twice the size of the firm’s previous premises. It triples storage capacity, increases production capability and allows the business to take on a higher volume of orders.
The additional space will also enable workforce growth. Air Energy plans to expand its team to 40 over the next few years, creating new skilled roles locally as part of the Air Energy Hertford headquarters expansion.
With a current turnover of £5m, the business is targeting £25m within six years, representing a £20m increase. The move is seen as a practical step towards achieving that objective.
Sustainability features prominently at the new site. The roof is fitted with 40kW of solar panels which fully power operations, with surplus energy exported back to the grid. Four electric vehicle charging points have also been installed.
Mark Asker, director at Air Energy, said: “The quality and versatility of our air compression systems has allowed us to build up a strong customer base around the world, and that growth is only accelerating.
“We needed a larger space to meet increasing demand, expand our team and continue delivering the high standards our customers expect.
“Once we spotted the opportunity to acquire this unit, we knew it was a one we couldn’t afford to miss.
“It’s fantastic to now own our own premises, and we’re incredibly grateful to the support from Nicos and the Lloyds team for supporting us on this next stage of our journey.”
Nicos Charalambous, relationship manager at Lloyds, said: “Mark and his team at Air Energy have put a lot of hard work into establishing themselves as one of the leading suppliers of air compression systems in the country.
“But rather than rest on their laurels, they’ve demonstrated a desire and ambition to really take their business to the next level, and it was a pleasure to be able to support them with this.
“We’re here to support businesses with their growth plans, including providing transition finance as they invest in measures that reduce energy costs, such as solar panels or electric charging points.”
