Crawley College Helps Vent-Axia Mark 90 Years with Commemorative Plaque and Tree Planting

Crawley College recently supplied a bespoke plaque to leading ventilation company Vent-Axia as part of its 90th-anniversary celebrations.  

The plaque was part of a commemorative tree planting at Crawter’s Brook People’s Park in Manor Royal, near Vent-Axia’s headquarters.  

Vice Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, John Barclay, DL, had the honour of planting a Fastigiate Oak at the ceremony, which was also attended by the Mayor of Crawley, Councillor Marion Ayling, Peter Lamb MP for Crawley, Steve Sawyer, Executive Director of the Manor Royal BID, and representatives from the Crawley Museum.  

The plaque features a dedication marking the occasion, which reads: “This area and the Fastigiate Oak Tree was planted on 15th October 2026 to commemorate 90 years of Vent-Axia, with the support of the Manor Royal BID”. The plaque also proudly displays the Crawley College logo. 

Vent-Axia is a leading UK manufacturer of ventilation, heating and indoor air quality solutions, providing energy-efficient products and systems for a variety of buildings, with a strong focus on sustainability and creating healthier indoor environments through innovative low-carbon technologies.  

Graham Sanders, Managing Director at Vent-Axia, said:  
“We are delighted to be celebrating 90 years of Vent-Axia and our long-standing connection with Crawley. Since moving to Manor Royal in 1958, Crawley has played an important part in our company’s history, and we are very proud of our British manufacturing heritage and the contribution we have made to the local area.”  

Christine Bianchin, Principal of Crawley College, said:  
“We were delighted to support Vent-Axia in celebrating this incredible milestone. As a longstanding part of the Crawley community, Vent-Axia has made a significant contribution to the local economy and has inspired generations of young people through its commitment to innovation and manufacturing. It was a privilege for Crawley College to be involved in creating a lasting tribute to 90 years of success.”  

To find out all about the variety of courses available at the college, please click here.