Overview
Client: Ancient House Printing Group
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
Industry: Commercial printing – web and sheet-fed
Solution: Three 45kW and one 15kW Avelair Variable Speed Drive rotary screw air compressors with intelligent management control
Avelair partnered with Ancient House Printing Group to transform the efficiency of its compressed air system in Ipswich. The objective was clear – reduce energy consumption, lower carbon emissions and support the company’s ongoing environmental commitments.
The challenge
As one of the UK’s most established commercial printers, Ancient House Printing Group operates high-demand production equipment requiring reliable compressed air.
The business is ISO 14001 accredited and committed to continuous environmental improvement. A review of its existing compressed air system identified:
- Variable air demand during weekdays
- Significantly lower demand at weekends
- Opportunities to reduce system pressure
- Potential for substantial energy and carbon savings
The company required a data-driven solution that would deliver measurable environmental and financial benefits.
The solution – data-led system redesign with VSD technology
Avelair carried out comprehensive on-site data logging, monitoring:
- Air consumption
- System pressure
- Compressor performance status
Analysis confirmed that a variable speed configuration would provide optimum efficiency across fluctuating demand cycles.
Installed system included:
- Three 45kW Avelair VSD rotary screw air compressors
- One 15kW Avelair VSD rotary screw air compressor
- Intelligent compressor management control system
The management controller was commissioned to sequence the compressors efficiently and reduce overall system pressure. The VSD units use inverter technology to adjust motor speed in line with real-time air demand, minimising wasted energy.
All compressors were designed and manufactured locally in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
The results
Significant carbon reduction
The project delivered a carbon emissions reduction of over 25%, supporting the company’s environmental objectives.
Improved energy efficiency
The new system adapts automatically to weekday and weekend demand variations, reducing unnecessary electricity usage.
Greater capacity for expansion
The upgraded installation provides increased air reserves to support future operational growth.
External funding support
An Energy Efficiency Grant was secured through Business Energy Efficiency East Anglia, further strengthening the financial case for investment.
Supporting ISO 14001 environmental commitments
The improved compressed air system directly supports the business’s ISO 14001:2015 obligations by reducing environmental impact and improving energy performance.
Paul Sadler, Operations Director at Ancient House Printing Group, commented that the investment would not only provide greater air capacity for expansion but also support ongoing environmental commitments.
Variable speed air compressors in Suffolk
This project demonstrates how Suffolk-based businesses can achieve measurable efficiency gains through data-led compressed air optimisation.
If your organisation is reviewing its air compressors in Suffolk or seeking to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, Avelair provides full consultancy, design and installation services.
Contact our team on 01359 272828 to arrange a compressed air efficiency assessment.
Posted on:
February 25th 2026