Ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has marked its 90th anniversary with a commemorative tree planting near its Crawly headquarters
A fastigiate oak was planted in Crawter’s Brook People’s Park by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, John Barclay, DL, as part of the anniversary celebrations attended by the Mayor of Crawley, Councillor Marion Ayling, Peter Lamb MP for Crawley, Steve Sawyer, Executive Director of the Manor Royal BID, and representatives from the Crawley Museum.
Founded in 1936 by Joe Akester, inventor of the world’s first electrically-operated window fan, Vent-Axia’s history includes supplying ventilation to Sir Winston Churchill for his Chartwell home in 1945.
To commemorate the milestone, Vent-Axia also funded a new planting scheme at Crawter’s Brook, in collaboration with the Manor Royal BID, helping to enhance biodiversity in the area.
Students from Crawley College also produced an engraved commemorative oak plaque to mark Vent-Axia’s 90th Anniversary tree planting at Crawter’s Brook People’s Park.
Graham Sanders, Managing Director at Vent-Axia, says: “We are delighted to be celebrating our 90th Anniversary at Vent-Axia. 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, and it is particularly fitting to mark this milestone by supporting a project that will benefit the local environment and community of Manor Royal that has been home to our HQ for nearly 70 years.”
Further anniversary celebrations took place at Vent-Axia’s headquarters in Fleming Way, Crawley, which was decorated with bespoke bunting, made from recycled materials and featuring the company’s special 90th Anniversary logo.
Guests heard a presentation on the company’s 90-year history and viewed a special exhibition co-curated with Crawley Museum. Featuring historical photographs, archive ventilation equipment and artefacts, the exhibition included a commemorative booklet recording the 1950 visit of HRH Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II, when she officially named Manor Royal and planted a tree in Crawley town.
Vice Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, John Barclay, DL, adds: “90 years is a remarkable achievement, and Vent-Axia’s history is one of innovation, engineering excellence and an enduring commitment to improving the indoor environments in which we live and work. Today’s celebrations have recognised that heritage while looking firmly to the future.
“Through the company’s support for Crawter’s Brook People’s Park and the planting of the oak tree, Vent-Axia is making a lasting contribution to biodiversity and the local community. I congratulate Vent-Axia on 90 years of achievement and wish the company continued success and a sustainable future.”