VES Officially Launches New Salvagnini Smart Automation System Following £1.35M Manufacturing Investment

16 Sep 2026

VES has officially launched its latest Salvagnini smart automation system at its Eastleigh facility, following a combined £1.35 million investment in advanced manufacturing technology over the past 18 months.

The new Salvagnini L3 Gen 4 laser system was officially opened by The Mayor of Eastleigh and Jim Davison, National Membership Director at Make UK, marking a significant milestone in VES's continued investment in UK manufacturing.

This investment is the latest addition to VES's fabrication capabilities and is helping to transform how sheet metal components are manufactured at the company's Hampshire facilities.

The system combines Salvagnini's L3 fibre laser with an automated tower storage and self-loading system and robotic part picking device (MCU). This allows the entire process from raw materials storage through cutting, processing and folding to be seamlessly linked through one platform.

Importantly, the MCU is also Salvagnini's first installation of its kind in the UK, bringing the latest generation of smart automation technology to VES's manufacturing operation.

Together, the technologies reduce the need for manual intervention throughout the production process, improving consistency and safety while enabling VES to increase production capacity and maintain the high-quality standards required to manufacture its air handling and ventilation equipment.

The investment strengthens VES's manufacturing capability in Hampshire while supporting the company's long-term commitment to skilled employment and developing the next generation of manufacturing talent.

As a third-generation, family-owned business established in 1968, VES continues to invest in its people and facilities alongside advanced manufacturing technology. The company has recently taken on four Lean apprentices and continues to work with local education providers, including CEMAST in Fareham, to give students first-hand experience of modern manufacturing and demonstrate the career opportunities available in engineering.

Andy Reade, Lead Director at VES, said:
"This investment is about more than increasing our manufacturing capacity. It is about making sure we continue to have the technology, skills and people we need to manufacture competitively here in Hampshire for many years to come.

The combination of the new laser, automated material handling and the UK's first Salvagnini MCU gives our team a significant step forward in the way we manufacture.

We were delighted to celebrate today with The Mayor of Eastleigh and Jim Davison from Make UK. Their support helps us highlight the importance of continued investment in advanced manufacturing and skilled jobs in the region."

The latest investment builds on VES's long-term commitment to its Hampshire operations. From its Chandler's Ford and Eastleigh facilities, the company designs and manufactures ventilation equipment for buildings across the UK, while continuing to invest in technology and its local workforce.