VENT-Axia the UK’s leading ventilation company has celebrated its 80th anniversary at its headquarters in Fleming Way, Crawley.

Crawley MP Henry Smith and Mayor, councillor Raj Sharma, joined a celebration ceremony where a time capsule was buried in the company grounds.

Contents included Vent-Axia branded merchandise, a paper from the day, team photo of staff, a picture of former PM David Cameron visiting the offices and a pound coin.

It is a company steeped in 80 years of British heritage and innovation. Sir Winston Churchill was one of the first customers with Vent-Axia supplying ventilation for No 10 Downing Street during the Second World War.

Its first official premises were in Putney, but in 1961 Vent-Axia relocated to Manor Royal industrial estate in Crawley.

In 2013 Vent-Axia launched three new production assembly lines creating 20 new site jobs and it now employs 253 staff.

A multi-million pound company, Vent-Axia’s innovations are present in a wide range of landmark projects from buildings in Her Majesty's Royal Estates to the White House.

MD Mark Hoskins said: "We are delighted to be celebrating our 80th anniversary. From the very beginning, we have been a company built on innovation.

"We have continued this ethos over the years, developing, expanding and innovating to create the very best in ventilation.

"This is a tradition that we are very proud to continue today with launch of our latest best in class products, as we look forward to the next 80 years ahead."

Guests toured the facilities seeing some of the latest fans manufactured on the production lines.

Henry Smith MP said: "I am thrilled that Vent-Axia, an innovative, locally based, world-class company, is celebrating its 80th anniversary.

"I am proud that this iconic and historic business continues to manufacturer in Crawley and wish the company continued success over the next 80 years and beyond."

The company is also supporting staff's charity fundraising as part of the celebrations.

It will donate £80 to a member of staff’s chosen cause to help them meet their target, whether it running 10km or baking cakes.

Each year the company supplies air management solutions for more than half a million installations across the residential, commercial and industrial sectors in the UK and around the world.