Specialist producer of industrial air handling units, Mansfield Pollard, is producing standalone mobile, ceiling and duct mounted UV (ultra-violet) air sterilisation units under the brand name UVent, which remove airborne pathogens through ultraviolet germicidal irradiation.

Independently tested at the University of Bradford, University of Leeds and with Public Health England, Mansfield Pollard believes its UV air sterilisation technology has the potential to support the economic recovery of the UK by creating safer working environments through ultra clean air.

Managing director Lou Frankland said: “This technology has been proven to destroy bacteria and viruses, including coronaviruses, bringing huge benefits for the healthcare sector, which is initially our primary focus. But because of its flexibility and mobility, the UV air sterilisation units have the potential to be introduced within a range of working, educational and leisure environments. With this in mind, we are ready to quickly and safely upscale our production to satisfy the demand we expect to see.”

Employing 152 staff, the team has been working in split shifts of a maximum 75 people at one time on the 125,000ft² production facility. The senior leadership team has invested in social distancing measures including signage on the shop floor alongside hand sanitisation and PPE stations as part of its coronavirus response, which will facilitate a steady and safe increase in production as demand grows.

Mansfield Pollard was founded in Bradford in 1866 as a sheet metal fabrication specialist which served the thriving woollen trade. Over 150 years the company has evolved and today designs, manufactures and supplies innovative air management and acoustic solutions. As part of Bradford Council’s new drive to reinforce the restart, renew and rebuild process, businesses, organisations and groups are being encouraged to share their experiences, success stories and advice for other businesses and use the hashtag #TogetherBradfordCan to increase the spread of positive recovery news.

Lou added: “We are once again delighted to showcase Bradford’s manufacturing might on the local and national stage and proud of being part of the #TogetherBradfordCan movement that is helping the northern economy re-open, rebuild and re-emerge even stronger.”

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport for Bradford Council, said: “Mansfield Pollard is a true Bradford success story which has shown resilience and diversification for more than 150 years. This established, local firm is a shining example of some of the incredible businesses who are speaking out through our #TogetherBradfordCan campaign and showcasing the expertise, the resolve and the speed of working that will get this district and the wider region operating again.”