PPS was founded in 1991 by Gary Whitaker to offer energy-saving advice and solutions to manufacturers and other industries that rely on compressed air services.
A wealth of industry expertise
Having started in the compressed air business as an apprentice, Gary brought his experience and passion for helping customers to his new company and built a team of 5 staff members around him with a wealth of expertise in the compressed air industry. Now, over 30 years later there are over 80 people working for the company.
State-of-the-art premises
After outgrowing a succession of offices in Halifax, the company moved into its current state-of-the-art premises, The Yorkshire Air Centre in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, in 2017.
Designed to provide a positive working environment for PPS staff, with ample office space and meeting rooms, the HQ also boasts workshop space for ducting manufacture and equipment repairs, and a sales counter open to the public for spares, parts and tools.
Further growth across the North of England led to the investment in a Lancashire branch of PPS.
The new Leigh branch in Greater Manchester gives a local presence for customers, modern working space for the team in this area and a well-stocked sales counter to help supply customers with the parts they need.
Expansion and acquisition
Over the years, the company has grown in size and stature, taking on new staff, supporting several apprenticeships and expanding further across the UK.
PPS acquired Sheffield-based company Simm Engineering Group in 2015. For the South Yorkshire team, it meant renewed investment and drive for success. In August 2021 the name Simm Engineering Group was changed to Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd. This change brought greater consistency, ease of recognition across the business and standardisation for all customers over the north of the UK, without changing the service they received from the South Yorkshire branch.
In 2018, a new era of growth began designed to take the business to the next level. Investment from R&G Fluid Power Group allowed Gary Whitaker to step down as Managing Director and Ian Harrison to take over the helm. Ian is a highly respected professional with many years of experience and technical expertise, he has been with PPS since 2001.
Airtight Compressor Services was acquired in June 2019 and became part of the South Yorkshire branch. This merger also added the expertise of Paul Woodhouse to the PPS team.
2020 saw the PPS South Yorkshire branch move to a new base in Dinnington, Sheffield. A much-needed move for the team who had outgrown their previous premises in Attercliffe.
In 2021, PPS expanded across the North of England, opening a new branch in Leigh, Greater Manchester and shortly after, acquiring Hull-based company Norman Walker Machinery. Later in the year, they acquired Atlas Copco distributor, Compcon Ltd, expanding their support to the East Midlands. PPS is now supporting customers from 5 branches across the UK.
AB Compressors became part of PPS in September 2023, with Marc Pilkington joining the Leigh branch, further developing the service available in Greater Manchester.
In November 2024, Atlas Copco UK Holdings Ltd acquired 100% ownership of PPS. After being an Atlas Copco premier distributor for many years, the acquisition enhanced the offering available to customers through PPS.
In the new era, the PPS core principle of providing a superior compressed air service to local businesses, and the team’s dedication to customers, remains strong.
A customer-led approach
A leading provider of compressed air solutions, we also demonstrate a commitment to generating energy savings and helping our customers reduce their carbon footprint.
As the company moves onwards and upwards, we will continue to take a refreshing customer-led approach, while keeping abreast of new technologies and industry developments.
