Distributor focus: Interview with Richard Hewitt, Managing Director of Anglian Compressors
The following article is sourced from Atlas Copco’s official website. Read the full interview with Anglian Compressors here.
Anglian Compressors, an Atlas Copco distributor since 1978, has built a strong reputation for innovation and energy efficiency over the years.
To mark Managing Director Richard Hewitt’s 20 years at the company, we spoke with him about Anglian’s journey, the company’s focus on sustainability, and how they continue to evolve in a competitive market while maintaining their commitment to customer satisfaction.
How has Anglian Compressors evolved over the years?
When I joined Anglian in 2005, the company was already well-established, but it’s been exciting to see how we’ve grown since then. Our journey has been defined by a consistent focus on two things: innovation and customer service. We’ve never been afraid to embrace new technologies that help our customers reduce energy usage and CO2 emissions. We’ve also managed to navigate difficult times, such as the financial crisis and the pandemic, by remaining true to our values. For example, when the pandemic hit, many of our customers in the food industry saw a surge in demand, and we were able to support them by improving the efficiency of their operations. It’s this adaptability and our customer-first approach that has helped us continue to grow year on year, even in challenging circumstances.
Can you tell us more about how you help your customers reduce energy consumption?
Energy efficiency is at the heart of everything we do. At Anglian, we believe in “doing the right thing” for both our customers and the environment. For instance, one of our recent projects involved a large food producer, where we replaced 16 compressors with just two, connected via an innovative piping system. This solution not only reduced their energy consumption significantly but also improved the quality of the compressed air used in food production. Despite the large initial investment, the project is set to pay back in just two and a half years. These types of improvements highlight how sustainability can deliver financial benefits at the same time.
Beyond just replacing equipment, we also help customers make other efficiency improvements, like fixing air leaks, reducing unnecessary air pressure, or using energy recovery systems to repurpose waste energy. These improvements can lead to substantial long-term savings, and that’s what drives us to continue pushing the envelope on energy efficiency.
How do you stay ahead in terms of product offerings and solutions?
Anglian Compressors being awarded Atlas Copco Compressors Distributor of the year, which it has won on more than one occasion
We’ve always been very proactive when it comes to adopting new technologies, and it’s one of the reasons we have such a strong relationship with Atlas Copco. The company is constantly innovating, and we make it a priority to integrate those innovations as quickly as possible to offer the best possible solutions to our customers.
For example, when Atlas Copco introduced Bluetooth connectivity for their control systems, we were the first UK distributor to offer it. This technology enables our customers to monitor and manage their compressed air systems remotely, which is not only more convenient, but it also helps them improve their energy efficiency. We’re always on the lookout for the next big thing that will improve our customers’ operations.
Another area where we’ve been ahead of the curve is with energy recovery systems. These systems allow businesses to capture up to 90% of the energy produced by their compressors and use it for heating or other processes. It’s a great example of how we can help our customers reduce their energy consumption and cut costs.
How do you see the industry evolving in terms of reducing environmental impact, and where do you see the biggest opportunities for improvement?
Sustainability is a growing priority for businesses, and that’s reflected in the increased demand for energy-efficient solutions. We’re seeing more and more companies take steps towards reducing their CO2 emissions and improving energy efficiency, which is fantastic. However, I believe there’s still a lot more that can be done.
For instance, one of our major customers—a well-known food producer—wanted to reduce their CO2 footprint across multiple sites. By upgrading their compressors and integrating energy recovery systems, we were able to achieve significant reductions in both energy consumption and emissions. This is the kind of project that really excites me because it shows that substantial environmental benefits can be achieved while also delivering financial savings.
At the same time, there are still many businesses that aren’t fully aware of the potential savings from optimising their compressed air systems. I think the industry as a whole needs to do more to educate businesses on the importance of efficient energy use. It’s not just about installing new equipment; it’s about creating an overall strategy for improving energy efficiency and sustainability across the entire system.
How does the company practice what it preaches internally in terms of sustainability?
At Anglian, we believe in walking the walk. Sustainability isn’t just something we talk about to our customers—it’s a core value that we live by. For example, we’ve invested heavily in renewable energy for our own premises. We’ve installed a 64-kilowatt solar array, which generates more electricity than we consume. Any surplus energy is stored in our three-phase storage battery, so we’re able to harness and use it when needed, rather than sending it back to the grid.
We’ve also made the switch to electric cars for our fleet and have implemented LED lighting throughout our offices, with zonal controls to ensure lights automatically turn off when they’re not needed. These efforts are a part of our ongoing commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and demonstrating that sustainability can be successfully integrated into everyday business practices.
By practising sustainability in-house, we not only lead by example but also show our customers that the energy-efficient solutions we provide are part of a bigger picture, one that extends beyond just the products we sell. It’s about creating a culture of sustainability that permeates everything we do.
If a company wanted to start improving its energy efficiency, what steps would you recommend they take?
The first step is always to conduct an energy audit. Many companies are unaware of how much energy they’re wasting until they take a closer look at their systems. Simple things like fixing leaks, reducing pressure, or optimising the way compressed air is used can lead to significant savings.
Once you’ve identified the areas that need improvement, upgrading to more efficient equipment is the next step. For instance, replacing old compressors with newer, more energy-efficient models can offer a great return on investment. I’d also recommend looking into energy recovery systems, which can capture and reuse up to 90% of the energy that would otherwise be lost.
It’s also essential to involve the whole team in the process. Energy efficiency isn’t just about the equipment; it’s about creating a culture where everyone understands the importance of reducing energy consumption and is actively looking for ways to improve efficiency.
Anglian Compressors has experienced significant growth, what has been the driving force?
Our growth can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, our long-standing partnership with Atlas Copco Compressors has been critical. Their products are second to none, and our ability to offer those products has been a key driver of growth.
But it’s not just about the equipment. Our staff is another huge factor in our success. We’ve always had a low turnover of staff, and we place a huge emphasis on training. This means we have a team that’s not only highly skilled but also fully committed to delivering the best possible service to our customers. That consistency and expertise have helped us build strong, long-term relationships with our clients.
Finally, I believe our focus on energy efficiency and sustainability has helped set us apart. As more companies look to reduce their environmental impact, we’re in a great position to offer them the solutions they need to achieve that, while also saving money.
Looking ahead, what’s next for Anglian Compressors?
Looking ahead, we’re excited about the future and the possibilities that lie ahead. The latest VSDˢ compressor from Atlas Copco is a game-changer in terms of energy efficiency, and we’re excited to start integrating it into more of our customers’ systems. We’ll continue to focus on offering the best possible solutions to help our customers reduce energy use and improve sustainability.
Beyond that, we’ll keep pushing for innovation and improvement. We’re always looking for new ways to help our customers save money, reduce their CO2 emissions, and improve their operational efficiency. It’s an exciting time to be in this industry, and I’m looking forward to the next chapter in Anglian Compressors’ journey.