Increased sales of filters during pandemic helps AB Components

19 July, 2021

The company sells air purifiers for anything from small rooms to whole buildings – some business premises don’t have windows that people can open for fresh air – and filters for motorbikes, cars, trucks, tractors, diggers, fridges and even hot tubs. All have the same purpose – either to stop harmful particles getting into the environment or causing damage to complicated and expensive machinery.

AB Components claims the air purifiers eliminate at least 99.99% of airborne pollutants (including viruses, bacteria pollen and dust) from the air, which is particularly important for people with allergies and breathing problems. They can be used in offices, schools, medical and veterinary practices, restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as homes.

Long pedigree

Company director James Edgar has been in the industry 30 years. He worked in the technical department of a filtration manufacturer in Nottingham before founding AB Components in 2006. He worked from home in Ilkeston while stock was held and despatched from a warehouse in Norwich.

In 2008 the company relocated its warehousing, sales and accounts to the Manners Industrial Estate, moving round the corner into larger premises in 2014. Earlier this Spring it moved again to a larger unit on the estate at Mercian Park, doubling unit space from 6000 sq ft to more than 12,000 sq ft with purpose-built offices and conference facilities plus storage at a cost of £150,000.

The company had a turnover in the last financial year of £2.5 million. It supplies filters and access from 150 suppliers around the world and is the sole UK distributor for some brands. At any one time there are 9000 different filters in stock which can be delivered nationwide.

High demand

“While other companies were shutting or furlough staff because of the COVID-19 restrictions we carried on with full working and actually grew,” says Edgar. “This is because additional companies needed more filters for their businesses and ordered more supplies. We hope that the health problems caused by viruses will encourage more people – both businesses and individuals – to buy our products for their premises and homes.”

It is a family business with two brothersin-law among the 20 employees. “We have plans for three more staff in the next quarter and as the business grows expect to take on more,” adds Edgar, who is a handson boss taking on sales and marketing as well as attending business shows.

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