By Andy Knighton, Site Maintenance Team Leader at Anglia Growing Partnership
Anglia Growing Partnership is doubling its building size and investing heavily in machinery and robotics at its state-of-the-art onion production facility. 2024 was a landmark year, marked by an ambitious investment program totalling around £5 million. This isn’t just about growth; it’s about transforming our capabilities. We’re almost doubling our building size to a 75,000 sq ft, alongside a substantial investment in cutting-edge machinery and robotics. This expansion, while exciting, brought with it a critical challenge: significantly expanding our compressed air system to power these new, demanding operations. This complex project is currently underway, and we are pleased that Cambs Compressors is successfully managing to keep our operations running smoothly whilst the works are undertaken.
The Imperative for Enhanced Compressed Air
Our existing compressed air infrastructure, while robust for our previous scale, simply wouldn’t suffice for the increased demands of our new production lines and advanced robotics. Compressed air is the lifeblood of our automated processes, driving everything from pneumatic tools to sophisticated robotic arms. Ensuring a reliable, efficient, and
scalable supply was paramount to the success of our entire expansion project. We knew we needed not just more air, but a seamlessly integrated system that could support continuous production throughout the upgrade and beyond.
Navigating the Tender: A Strategic Choice
To meet this critical need, we initiated a comprehensive tender process, inviting leading industry players to propose solutions. Our shortlist quickly narrowed down to three highly reputable companies: Atlas Copco, HPC, and Cambs Compressors. All three demonstrated impressive technical know-how, clearly possessing the expertise to design, install, and support the necessary equipment. Their proposals were technically sound, and each could undoubtedly deliver the core components we required.
However, the decision to ultimately partner with Cambs Compressors was based on a more nuanced evaluation of their overall offering.
Why Cambs Compressors Stood Out
While technical competence was a given across the board, Cambs Compressors truly distinguished themselves in three key areas:
· Unrivalled Experience in Operational Upgrades: Our expansion wasn’t a simple greenfield project. We needed to integrate new infrastructure into our existing factory while maintaining continuous production. This was a complex logistical challenge. Cambs Compressors demonstrated a superior understanding and proven experience in managing such transitions. Their detailed plan for adding to our current system without disrupting our daily operations gave us immense confidence. They understood the intricacies of running production through upgrade and extension works, which was a decisive factor for us.
· Proximity and Responsiveness: Being a local partner was a significant advantage. While not the sole deciding factor, the proximity of Cambs Compressors meant quicker response times for both planned maintenance and any unforeseen issues. This local presence translates directly into reduced potential downtime and a more agile support system, which is invaluable in a fast-paced production environment like ours.
· Value-Added Services and Partnership Approach: We felt that Cambs Compressors offered the best overall solution to our specific needs, extending beyond just the hardware. Their approach felt more collaborative, focusing on understanding our unique operational demands and offering tailored advice. This commitment to a true partnership, rather than just a transactional sale, resonated strongly with our team.
The Implemented Solution: Avelair and New Pipework
The contract with Cambs Compressors incorporated the installation of two new Avelair compressors, known for their reliability and efficiency. Crucially, this also included extensive new pipework, meticulously designed to seamlessly extend and integrate with our existing
compressor system. This careful integration was vital to ensure optimal pressure, flow, and efficiency across our expanded facility, powering our new machinery and robotics without compromise.
A Partnership for Future Growth
The collaboration with Cambs Compressors has been a resounding success. Their expertise in managing the complexities of our factory upgrade while ensuring continuous production has been exceptional. We are confident that our enhanced compressed air system, powered by their solution, will reliably support Anglia Growing Partnership’s continued growth and innovation for years to come.