Top 5 Air Source Heat Pump Manufacturers and Suppliers in the UK: A B2B Sourcing Guide

The UK air source heat pump market is experiencing a structural shift. Government investment through the Warm Homes Plan has committed £15 billion to retrofit up to five million homes by 2030, with a stated target for 70% of installed heat pumps to be manufactured domestically. For wholesalers, distributors, and commercial specifiers, this creates both opportunity and complexity: the supply chain is expanding rapidly, but identifying reliable manufacturers with genuine production capability and trade-focused partnership models requires careful evaluation.

This guide examines five leading air source heat pump manufacturers and suppliers in the UK, with attention to factory capability, product range, and B2B partnership potential—plus one factory-direct OEM/ODM alternative for buyers seeking custom manufacturing.

Why UK-Based Manufacturing Matters for Trade Buyers

The UK government’s Heat Pump Investment Accelerator Competition has been expanded to £90 million to kickstart domestic production, with funding available from April 2027 through March 2030. The Warm Homes Plan includes a £140 million investment to strengthen supply chains and support workforce training.

For wholesale buyers and distributors, this policy environment creates several practical advantages when sourcing from UK-based manufacturers:

Supply chain resilience. Domestic manufacturing reduces exposure to international shipping delays and customs friction that have affected imported heat pump lead times.

Compliance certainty. UK manufacturers design to British Standards (BS) and MCS requirements from the outset, simplifying certification for installers and reducing project approval risk.

Government scheme alignment. Products from UK manufacturers are typically pre-qualified for schemes including the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which offers £7,500 grants for air-to-water heat pumps.

Technical support proximity. Factory-based engineering teams enable faster response to specifying queries, commissioning support, and after-sales service—critical for commercial projects with tight timelines.

1. Clade Engineering Systems

Factory Overview

Founded in 1985, Clade operates from a green manufacturing Technology Centre in Leeds and a BREEAM Excellent-rated head office in Bristol. The company specialises in natural refrigerant air source heat pumps for commercial and industrial applications, with CO2 and R290 (propane) refrigerant platforms.

Product Range

Clade’s air source portfolio spans 50kW to 738kW capacities, designed for applications including district heating, commercial buildings, and industrial process heat:

B2B Relevance

Clade’s positioning is explicitly commercial and industrial, with services extending from design through manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. For wholesale partners and project specifiers, the company offers:

Natural refrigerant systems with low GWP and zero ODP

High-temperature output enabling retrofit without building modifications

UK-based engineering and aftercare support

Finance options linked to government decarbonisation schemes

2. Ideal Heating

Factory Overview

Based in Hull, Ideal Heating has expanded from its traditional boiler manufacturing base into air source heat pumps, with the Ideal Logic Air R32 designed for UK residential and light commercial applications. The company is a significant domestic manufacturer with established distribution infrastructure.

B2B Relevance

Ideal Heating benefits from an existing wholesale network through plumbing and heating merchants across the UK. For distributors, this means:

Established trade counter presence

Familiar brand recognition among installers

Spare parts and service infrastructure already in place

R32 refrigerant platform aligned with current F-Gas regulations

3. Grant UK

Factory Overview

Grant Engineering has transitioned from its legacy in oil-fired heating to air source heat pumps, with the Aerona³ R32 range positioned for efficiency and reliability. The company operates UK-based manufacturing and maintains a trade-focused distribution model.

Product Characteristics

The Aerona³ platform is designed for residential and light commercial applications, with R32 refrigerant and a focus on straightforward installation. Grant’s existing relationships with heating engineers and merchants provide a ready channel for wholesale distribution.

B2B Relevance

Grant’s advantage for trade partners lies in its established merchant network and installer familiarity. Distributors seeking a UK-manufactured product with existing brand recognition among the installer base will find Grant a practical addition to their portfolio.

4. Kensa Heat Pumps

Factory Overview

Operating from Cornwall, Kensa specialises in ground source heat pumps but has extended its technology platform to networked and shared-loop systems that incorporate air source components for certain applications. The company has been instrumental in advocating for renewable heating solutions in the UK.

B2B Relevance

Kensa’s model centres on networked ground-source systems and shared ground loops, which are increasingly specified for social housing and multi-dwelling developments. For wholesale partners serving the social housing sector, Kensa offers:

Expertise in networked heat pump systems

Government scheme alignment (BUS supports shared ground loops)

Established relationships with housing associations

5. Worcester Bosch

Factory Overview

Worcester Bosch, part of the Bosch Group, operates UK manufacturing facilities and offers a range of heat pumps tailored for the British market. The company leverages Bosch’s global engineering resources while maintaining domestic production capability.

B2B Relevance

Worcester Bosch’s primary advantage for trade partners is brand strength. The Worcester name carries significant recognition among UK installers and consumers, derived from decades of boiler manufacturing. For wholesale distributors, stocking Worcester Bosch heat pumps offers:

Immediate installer acceptance

Established warranty and service infrastructure

Integration with existing Bosch heating product ecosystems

UK-based technical support

KLR Heat Pump: The Factory-Direct OEM/ODM Alternative

For wholesalers, distributors, and brand companies seeking a cost-competitive manufacturing partner rather than a finished-product supplier, KLR Heat Pump offers a compelling alternative to the established UK brands above.

KLR Group is a Foshan-based heat pump manufacturer with over 20 years of development and production experience, specialising in OEM/ODM services for the global market. The company produces air source, geothermal, and water-source heat pumps with heating capacities ranging from 13kW to 170kW, covering residential through commercial applications. Their units utilise R32 refrigerant and achieve energy savings of 60–70% compared to conventional heating systems.

What Distinguishes KLR for B2B Partners

Deep OEM/ODM customisation. KLR does not sell directly to end users—they work exclusively with wholesalers, dealers, distributors, and brand companies. Customisation options extend well beyond logo placement: cabinet colour and design, power supply type, component brand selection, refrigerant platform (R410a, R32, or R290), packaging design, and even small details like screw material and drain hole positioning can be tailored to your market requirements. Their team can adjust the outer design and sizing to match your specific project footprint.

Manufacturing scale and technical depth. KLR operates a 20,000+ m² production facility in Foshan, Guangdong, with over 50 engineers and five professional production lines. The company invests more than 10% of annual revenue in R&D and holds over 200 domestic and international patents. Their heat pump platforms incorporate advanced features such as intelligent control systems, Modbus connectivity, and WiFi-enabled monitoring.

Competitive pricing for wholesale volumes. KLR positions itself as offering “high quality and competitive price” products, with dedicated wholesale pricing structures for bulk orders. Their direct-from-factory model eliminates intermediary margins, providing trade buyers with a cost advantage that can be passed through to end customers or retained as improved margin.

Global compliance and export experience. KLR products carry CE, CB, ISO9001, and ISO14001 certifications, with compliance to EU ErP energy efficiency standards. The company exports to more than 80 countries and regions, including markets with demanding technical requirements such as the UK, Canada, Germany, and Scandinavia.

Trade-focused partnership model. KLR explicitly does not compete with its partners at the end-user level. They provide product training, technical manuals, and factory visits for partners, positioning themselves as a behind-the-scenes manufacturing capability rather than a competing brand.

KLR at a Glance

Why UK Trade Buyers Choose Factory-Direct OEM Supply

For UK wholesale buyers, factory-direct OEM manufacturing offers specific advantages over stocking established brands:

Margin control. Without intermediary markups, distributors can set retail pricing that remains competitive while preserving healthier margins.

Brand ownership. Building your own brand creates long-term asset value, rather than reinforcing another manufacturer’s brand recognition.

Product differentiation. Custom specifications—voltage, refrigerant, controls, cabinet design—allow you to offer features that generic imported products cannot match.

Supply flexibility. Factory-direct relationships provide more transparency on lead times and production scheduling than trading through layers of agents.

Partner with KLR

If you are a UK-based wholesaler, distributor, or brand company looking for an air source heat pump manufacturing partner with deep customisation capability and competitive factory-direct pricing, KLR welcomes your inquiry.

Contact KLR Heat Pump:

Email: klrheatpump@163.com

Whatsapp: +86 134 2453 1875

Website: www.klrheatpump.com

Factory:  Foshan, Guangdong, China

Inquiries regarding air source heat pump OEM/ODM cooperation are welcomed, with responses typically provided within 24 hours for B2B partners.

KLR does not sell directly to end users. All inquiries are directed to our B2B partnership team.

The UK Heat Pump Market: Context for Procurement Decisions

Market Growth Trajectory

The UK heat pump market is forecast for continued growth, with air-to-water systems dominating the residential segment. In 2025, air-source systems commanded 73.83% of UK heat pump revenue, with units up to 10kW representing 44.26% of demand. Larger systems above 30kW are projected to grow at 12.78% CAGR through 2031, driven by commercial and district heating applications.

Government Support Landscape

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides £7,500 grants for air-to-water heat pumps in England and Wales, with enhanced £9,000 grants available for off-gas-grid homes switching from oil or LPG until March 2027. Scotland offers up to £9,000 through its rural uplift programme.

For wholesale buyers, these grants effectively reduce the customer’s net cost, stimulating demand and supporting sales volume.

Domestic Manufacturing Push

The government’s target for 70% domestic manufacturing content in installed heat pumps represents a significant shift from the current import-heavy supply chain. The Heat Pump Investment Accelerator Competition Round 2, with £90 million available from April 2027, is designed to expand UK production capacity by “several hundreds of thousands of units a year”.

For trade partners, this policy direction suggests that UK-based manufacturers will gain increasing competitive advantage through supply chain proximity and scheme alignment. However, imported OEM products can still compete effectively in segments where customisation, price, or specific technical configurations matter more than domestic content.

How to Evaluate Air Source Heat Pump Manufacturers for Wholesale Partnership

When assessing potential manufacturers for wholesale relationships, consider these criteria:

Supplier Evaluation Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between an air source heat pump and a ground source heat pump?
A: Air source heat pumps extract heat from outdoor air and typically achieve COPs of 3:1 to 4:1. Ground source heat pumps extract heat from stable underground temperatures (10–12°C year-round) and achieve COPs of 4:1 to 5:1. Air source systems cost less to install; ground source systems deliver lower running costs.

Q: Can I get custom-branded air source heat pumps manufactured for my company?
A: Yes. KLR Heat Pump specialises in OEM/ODM manufacturing for wholesalers, distributors, and brand companies. Customisation includes cabinet design, voltage, refrigerant type, control systems, packaging, and branding. KLR does not sell directly to end users, so you retain full control of your customer relationships.

Q: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for wholesale air source heat pumps?
A: MOQ varies by product specification and customisation requirements. Contact KLR directly at klrheatpump@163.com for wholesale terms tailored to your project.

Q: How long does production and delivery take for OEM orders?
A: Lead time depends on order volume and customisation complexity. KLR provides committed production schedules for B2B partners. Contact the team for current lead times.

Q: Are KLR heat pumps certified for the UK market?
A: KLR products carry CE, CB, ISO9001, and ISO14001 certifications, with compliance to EU ErP standards. The company already exports to the UK and other demanding markets including Canada, Germany, and Scandinavia. UK-specific certification requirements should be confirmed during the inquiry process.

Q: Does KLR sell directly to homeowners in the UK?
A: No. KLR operates exclusively as an OEM/ODM manufacturer for trade partners. If you are a UK-based wholesaler or distributor, contact KLR to discuss partnership terms.

Q: Do imported heat pumps qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
A: BUS eligibility depends on MCS certification of the specific product and installer, not on manufacturing location. Imported products can qualify if they meet MCS standards. Buyers should verify product certification status before committing to supply arrangements.

Market Outlook: Where the Opportunity Lies

The UK air source heat pump market is at an inflection point. Government policy has created demand certainty through the Warm Homes Plan and BUS extension. Domestic manufacturing capacity is expanding with explicit policy support. And the commercial and industrial segments—where wholesale volumes and partnership models are most relevant—are forecast for above-average growth.

For distributors and wholesale buyers, the strategic question is not whether to enter the air source heat pump market, but which manufacturers offer the combination of product range, trade terms, and partnership model that aligns with their channel strategy.

The five UK manufacturers profiled above represent different strengths: Clade for commercial/industrial natural refrigerant systems, Ideal and Grant for established merchant channels, Kensa for networked social housing applications, and Worcester Bosch for brand-driven installer acceptance. For buyers whose priority is custom manufacturing, brand ownership, and margin control, KLR Heat Pump offers a factory-direct OEM/ODM alternative that complements rather than competes with these established UK brands.

Matching supplier strengths to your distribution model and target customer segments is the first step toward a viable heat pump supply strategy.

Sources and Further Reading

UK Government — Warm Homes Plan and Heat Pump Investment Accelerator Competition

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) — Product and installer certification

Ofgem — Boiler Upgrade Scheme administration

European Heat Pump Association — UK market data

This article was prepared by the KLR Heat Pump Technical Team. KLR Heat Pump is a Foshan-based OEM/ODM manufacturer of air source, geothermal, and water-source heat pumps serving trade partners in 80+ cingountries. For B2B partnership inquiries: klrheatpump@163.com | +86 134 2453 1875 | www.klrheating.com

Disclosure: This article is published by KLR Heat Pump. Brand names mentioned are for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement or partnership.

Product specifications and scheme details are subject to change; verify current terms with manufacturers and scheme administrators.