Archive

  1. Join us at Surface World 2025 this February

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    Westbury will be exhibiting at the forthcoming Surface World trade show at Birmingham’s NEC on the 26th & 27th February 2025.

    The show is a great opportunity for professionals from all aspects of the surface finishing industry to get together, share ideas and discuss the latest technologies in the sector.

    In the past, the show has always been a hive of activity and this year’s show promises to be bigger and better than ever!

    Westbury and its sister company Total Filtration will be exhibiting our innovative air & liquid filtration technologies on stand E40 across the two days.

    Registration for visitors to the event is open now and free to attend. You can contact our process filtration expert Mark Longworth on 01282 410252 to discuss further – we’d love to know if you’re planning to attend!

    For more information, please visit www.surfaceworld.com

    See you at the NEC!




  2. Westbury’s strong commitment to British manufacturing recognised once again

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    SME News Magazine has revealed Westbury Filtermation as the winner of “Nationwide Air Filter Manufacturing Business” in the 2024 British Made Awards programme.

    As one of the longest standing independent filter manufacturing businesses in the UK, Westbury have a proud tradition of supporting the communities in which we operate and place strong emphasis on the value of our British manufacturing facilities.

    Following on from Westbury’s success in the 2023 Northern Enterprise awards, we are delighted that our commitment has been recognised by SME News magazine once again, with the recent announcement of the winners of the 2024 British Made awards.

    The producers, manufacturers, and creatives in this programme all help to elevate their respective industries by continuously expanding their reach and skill sets, which ultimately helps the UK market to flourish year upon year. The British Made Awards 2024 are valuable, varied, and packed with motivational and inspirational success stories, spanning a myriad of industries and sectors. This programme truly showcases the power of the UK’s corporate landscape as our winners work tirelessly to bring innovation to their clients, customers, products, and services.

    On the eve of the announcement, Awards Coordinator Melissa Bramall commented: “Our winners are home to products and services that are proudly made in Britain. We’re here to cast a spotlight on their innovation, passion, and dedicated work, and I want to say a huge congratulations to each of them again.”

    SME News prides itself on the validity of its awards and winners. The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work, distinguishing them from their competitors and proving them worthy of recognition.

    To learn more about the award winners and to gain insight into the working practices of the “best of the best”, please visit the SME News website (https://smenews.digital/awards/british-made-awards/) where you can access this year’s winners supplement.



  3. Air Filter Selection Guide

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    When it comes to selecting HVAC air filters, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you choose the right options for your application:


    1. Filter Efficiency
    The first selection consideration is the efficiency rating, or the capability of the filter to capture particulate. The higher the efficiency, the more effective the filter will be in capturing smaller particles. You can read more about filter efficiency here.


    2. Airflow Resistance
    Resistance to airflow is crucial factor to consider when selecting any air filter. Higher efficiency filters generally have a greater resistance to airflow, which brings with it increased energy consumption. Filter selection should also be considered in the context of the HVAC system as a whole, to ensure that the fan and other components can deliver sufficient quantities of air, allowing for the resistance to airflow that the filter(s) present.

    The ideal filter selection should deliver a low resistance to airflow to minimise energy costs. A filter that can maintain low resistance for a long period of time, will deliver the lowest costs of operation. You can read more about minimising life cycle costs by clicking here.

    3. Particle Size
    The size of the particulate that the filters will be exposed to should also be considered when selecting air filters – different filters are designed to capture specific particle sizes. In many cases a multi-stage approach is preferred, with coarse pre-filters removing large particulate and higher efficiency secondary filters positioned downstream to remove finer particulate.

    4. Environmental Factors
    Local environmental factors, such as the concentration of particulates and proximity to sources of air contamination should also be considered when selecting an air filter. It is important to remember that these factors are variable and will be influenced by factors such as seasonal changes, nearby construction works, time of day, etc.  This should be considered when selecting filtration and planning appropriate maintenance regimes.


    Taking these factors into account demonstrates that appropriate filter selection is vital for achieving and maintaining appropriate air quality and optimal system performance. Consideration of filter efficiency, airflow resistance, particulate size and environmental conditions will all be important. The correct selections in the balance of these considerations will ensure that your systems can operate efficiently and effectively to recover lost revenues, reduce costs and deliver improved efficiencies. 

    Contact Westbury today to arrange for a FREE of charge site survey to assess how your systems can be optimised.

  4. SME News Reveals Westbury Group as the 2023 Winners of the Northern Enterprise Awards

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    SME News is delighted to announce the winners of this year’s Northern Enterprise Awards.

    The fifth edition of our Northern Enterprise Awards has landed, and we’re extremely excited to showcase our awardees in yet another impressive instalment of this much loved programme.

    Sweeping across a myriad of industries, of different categories and sizes, we explore the gems of the North in the UK’s business landscape. The aim of this programme is the same as ever – to highlight the heroic impact made by the best of the best within their sectors, as they aid their individual clients and customers in a plethora of ways, enriching their surrounding communities.

    Ultimately, our Northen Enterprise Awards are an amalgamation of fine companies and people who, individually and collectively, elevate our experience of business in the North of the UK – and beyond! They influence the rest of the country with their dedication to excellence, devotion to client satisfaction, and awe-inspiring stories of success.

    Awards Coordinator Kaven Cooper commented on the success of this year’s mighty programme and our winners: “The Northen Enterprise Awards are a shining beacon of light for businesses and a chance for us to celebrate the strengths of the North. I know our followers will be delighted to learn more about our winners and how they achieved their greatness. Congratulations to our awardees, and I hope 2024 is every bit as successful – if not more!”

    To find out more about these prestigious awards, and the dedicated enterprises that have been selected for them, please visit https://www.sme-news.co.uk/awards/northern-enterprise-awards/ where you can view our winners supplement and full winners list.



  5. Case Study: Air Filtration Enhancement in a Major Logistics Hub

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    Sector: Logistics/Warehousing

    Location: Central England

    Summary

    The Westbury Group, responding to the needs of a rapidly growing logistics sector in the UK, undertook a project to enhance air filtration systems in a large logistics hub.

    This case study details the project’s challenges, solutions, and outcomes, highlighting our innovative approach to optimising air quality and energy efficiency within a demanding operational environment.

    Background

    The logistics and warehousing sector in the UK is characterised by its non-stop operation and a combination of activities that generate particulate matter.

    Our client, who operate a substantial logistics hub, faced significant challenges in maintaining air quality crucial for the health and safety of staff and the efficiency of operations.

    The Challenge

    The client’s existing air filtration system in their Air Handling Units (AHUs) were inadequate, leading to several problems:Filter Collapse: (Pictured) Existing panel filters were collapsing due to moisture and particulate overload.

    High Energy Consumption: The inefficient filtration system contributed to excessive energy use.

    Space Limitations: The AHUs had limited space, hindering any substantial improvements.

    Detailed Analysis and Approach:

    Westbury’s team conducted a thorough assessment of the existing setup. The findings led to a multi-pronged approach:

    Upgrading Pre-Filters: The collapsing filters were replaced with advanced, high-capacity pre-filters, capable of handling greater particulate loads without collapsing.

    Innovative Secondary Filtration: A slimline, high-capacity secondary filter was introduced, (Pictured) fitting into the constrained space while significantly improving air quality. This as significant as another manufacturer had told the client this would not be possible. This fact underlines Westbury’s commitment to achieveing what others can or will not.

    Improved Mounting Arrangements: The installation of adapted clips facilitates easier maintenance and filter replacement, reducing downtime.

    Protective Air Intake Screens: These screens add an extra layer of protection, extending the life of other filters and enhancing overall air quality. Their design allows for easy removal and cleaning.

    Implementation Process

    Pre-Implementation: The facility struggled with failing panel filters and unprotected air intakes, leading to reduced air quality and a high maintenance requirement.

    Post-Implementation: Enhanced panel and secondary filters were installed, using existing frames but with intakes, offering additional filtration and prolonging filter life.

    Results and Impact

    The implementation led to multiple benefits:

    Improved Air Quality: The additional filtration stages significantly improve air quality within the facility.

    Reduced Energy: The higher-capacity pre-filters result in lower energy consumption, aligning with sustainability goals.

    Ease of Maintenance: The redesign of the mounting system simplifies the process of changing filters, reducing labour and downtime.

    Cost-Effective: Using the existing mounting frames avoids the need for expensive AHU modifications.

    Following the initial success, the solution was replicated across six more AHUs, leading to a plant-wide improvement in air quality and energy efficiency.

    Long-Term Benefits

    The project’s success is expected to yield long-term benefits:

    Sustained Air Quality Improvements: Enhanced filtration ensures a healthier environment for personnel and better preservation of goods.

    Ongoing Energy Savings: The efficient system contributes to reduced operational costs and aligns with environmental sustainability initiatives.

    Reduced Maintenance: The ease of filter replacement and the durability of the new system reduce the burden on maintenance teams.

    In Conclusion

    This example of The Westbury Group’s innovative air filtration project represents a benchmark in environmental and operational excellence. Through a comprehensive approach addressing the challenges of filter collapse, high energy consumption, and space limitations, we not only improved working conditions but also set a precedent for sustainable operations in similar facilities.

    Key to this success was the strategic replacement and upgrading of existing filtration systems and the introduction of high-capacity pre-filters, innovative secondary filtration, and protective air intake screens. These enhancements not only improved the hub’s air quality but also streamlined maintenance processes, reducing energy consumption. The use of existing infrastructure mitigated additional costs.       

    The project’s success extends beyond immediate improvements in air quality and energy efficiency. It demonstrates a proactive approach to employee health and safety, and a commitment to environmental sustainability, aligning with broader global initiatives.

    The replication of this solution across additional AHUs within the facility shows both scalability and adaptability, setting a model for other logistics hubs facing similar challenges.

    This project is a testament to how innovative engineering solutions can simultaneously address environmental concerns, operational efficiency, and employee well-being across the sector.

    Reach out to Westbury today to discover how your staff can enjoy the benefits of even cleaner air.

  6. Air Filtration and Sustainability: Making for Greener and Safer Working Environments

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    The importance of embracing sustainability in all aspects of life is becoming more and more widespread. An area of particular interest is the workplace, where we spend most of our waking hours.

    Often taken for granted, the quality of the air we breathe at work plays a pivotal role in ensuring our health and wellbeing. In this article we’ll take a look at how the combination of air filtration and sustainability can contribute to greener and safer working environments for everyone.

    The Importance of Air Quality in Workspaces

    Air quality within workspaces extends beyond mere comfort, it directly impacts our health. Poor air quality can lead to allergies and breathing difficulties such as asthma (or worse).

    Additionally, it can negatively affect productivity and morale. Fortunately, employers are beginning to acknowledge the significance of clean air in maintaining a happy and healthy working environment.

    What Do We Mean By Air Quality?

    In simple terms air filtration involves eliminating pollutants and contaminants from the air we breathe. This is accomplished through a combination of filtration methods, along with mechanical and chemical processes.

    Mechanical filters effectively trap particles while chemical methods help remove gases and odours.

    The effectiveness of an air purification system is often evaluated based on its ability to capture microscopically small particles, including bacteria that are invisible to the naked eye.

    When it comes to air purification, sustainability involves using systems and practices that not only effectively clean the air around us but also have a positive environmental impact. This includes considering the energy efficiency of filtration systems, the materials used in filters and the carbon footprint of the entire process.

    Energy Efficient Filtration Systems

    Traditional air filters consume a lot of power and newer technologies are focused on reducing this.

    For example, incorporating advanced, more environmentally efficient design into filters can improve functionality, effectively minimising the energy required to move air through the system.

    Eco Friendly Materials and Practices

    The choice of materials for air filters is crucial for promoting sustainability. 

    Washable filters are quickly gaining popularity as they reduce waste and eliminate the need for new replacements. Moreover, there are now filters made from recycled materials, cutting costs, and improving efficiency.

    The benefits of implementing them are clear. Firstly, they promote health, leading to reduced illness rates and increased productivity.

    Secondly, they reflect a commitment to responsibility, which can enhance your company reputation. Energy efficient systems also result in cost savings, allowing you to reap the rewards of your new sustainable practice.

    While the advantages are obvious, optimising air filtration systems can present challenges. The installation costs for systems can be high and there may be a need for staff training. Finding the right balance requires careful consideration and planning.

    This of course takes time but it’s indisputable this investment pays rich dividends.

    Looking towards the future of air filtration there is a clear trend favouring more sustainable and efficient systems.

    With the increasing awareness of concerns, regulatory bodies may enforce more robust standards for air quality and sustainability in workplaces.

    Westbury, as industry leaders in air filtration technology, keep a constant watch on such developments and are ready and able to comply with changes in sustainability regulation.

    Incorporating sustainability into air filtration is becoming a major factor when choosing a supplier.  By investing in environmentally friendly air filtration, companies can not only save money by enhancing the wellbeing and productivity of their employees but also contribute to the bigger picture of environmental sustainability.

    As technology continues to advance, we can anticipate even more innovative solutions in this area, further improving our life at work and the overall health of our planet.

    Reach out to Westbury today to discover how your staff can enjoy the benefits of even cleaner air.