Elta founders make anniversary return

UK: As part of the celebrations for its 50th anniversary, fan manufacturer Elta reconnected with its founding directors, inviting them to revisit their roots at the company’s Fareham factory.

Founded in 1974 as Elta Fans, the company began by producing single-phase, long-cased axial fans and fans for commercial ovens. Over the last five decades, the company has grown from a small startup to an internationally recognised name, thanks to the visionary leadership of its founders John Snape and Roger Crook.

John Snape, who retired in 1996, and Roger Crook, who left in 1998, expressed their enthusiasm about returning to the factory that had been purpose-built prior to their retirement and reuniting with previous colleagues.

“It has been a pleasure welcoming John and Roger back to Elta this year, and it was fantastic to hear them recount their stories and incredible success with the current team,” said Damian Buxton, CEO of Elta UK. “Their return came at a pivotal time as we celebrate our 50th anniversary and look ahead to the next chapter of our journey. They truly pioneered the way with their entrepreneurialism.”

John Snape now 89, said it was an honour to return to Elta during such a significant year. “To think that we started the company by building long-cased axial fans, to now producing highly bespoke and customisable ventilation equipment used in so many different markets around the world is amazing.”

Roger Crook, a comparatively young 80, added: “It’s remarkable, especially when I think of how it all started assembling fans in my garage. Elta will always hold a special place in my heart, and it’s fantastic to come back and see how it is continuing to grow.”

To coincide with its 50th anniversary, Elta announced its rebrand from Elta Fans to Elta at the start of this year.