Dust extraction is rarely centre stage in manufacturing, yet it is essential infrastructure – protecting people, ensuring compliance, and keeping production running efficiently. For nearly 70 years, Dustraction has been a fixture of this landscape. Now, under new ownership, the business is entering a new chapter defined by investment, modernisation, and a renewed focus on energy efficiency. John Legg went to meet Stephen Duncombe following his recent acquisition of Dustraction Ltd.
Founded in 1955, Dustraction built its reputation on an ability to solve awkward, site-specific problems rather than simply selling catalogue equipment. When Stephen Duncombe acquired the business in August 2025, he was not looking for a quick turnaround.
“I wanted a real manufacturing business,” Stephen says. “Something with history and depth, but also with headroom.”
Coming from a background in computer science and corporate consultancy, followed by the successful scaling of an international sports accessories manufacturing business, Stephen understands the rigour required in production. “You learn manufacturing properly when it’s your own money and your own reputation,” he notes. “If something goes wrong, it’s on you.”
The USP: the in-house advantage
The decision to acquire Dustraction was driven by its ‘practical engineering’ depth. Unlike competitors who may rely heavily on outsourcing, Dustraction retains control from initial concept through to commissioning and long-term support. “This is infrastructure that has to work. It is mandatory, not optional,” Stephen explains. This capability is housed entirely in Oadby, Leicestershire. Design work flows directly from the drawing office to the factory floor, where bespoke systems are fabricated, ensuring that complex ducting layouts, filtration capacity, and fan specifications are engineered around the specific reality of the client’s site.
The shift: from drift to momentum
While the company’s foundations of a loyal customer base and a highly experienced team were strong, Stephen noted that the business had not been pushed forward in recent years. “It’s been a solid business, but it hadn’t really been given the chance to move forward,” Stephen admits. “The aim now is to restore momentum.”
Since the acquisition, the focus has been on stabilising what works and identifying where modernisation adds value. This includes the implementation of a new ERP system to improve workflow visibility and a strategic focus on energy efficiency.
Future focus: energy and technology
With energy costs remaining a critical concern for manufacturers, Dustraction is moving beyond standard extraction. The company is developing smart, demand-led systems that utilise variable speed drives and pneumatic dampers to automatically adjust airflow based on machine usage. “It’s about understanding air and pressure,” Stephen says. “Do that properly, and the rest follows.”
People and succession
This modernisation is balanced by a respect for deep-rooted skills. Longstanding figures like Rob Cooper and Chris Fowle continue to lead the engineering front, while the company actively builds its future talent pipeline through apprenticeships and discussions with the University of Leicester. Sales continuity is equally prioritised. Ashley Ward has joined the business as Technical Sales Engineer, bringing over a decade of experience in industrial air systems and spray booths. He works alongside Steve Henson, who remains with the company for a 12-month handover period to ensure knowledge is transferred, not lost.
Conclusion
Dustraction is not being reinvented; it is being refocused. With fresh investment and a strategy built on protecting health, powering industry, and proven performance, the company is positioning itself as a forward-looking partner for the UK’s manufacturing sector.
“There is clear momentum building,” Stephen Duncombe concludes.
