Hampshire-based Stannah Lifts Holdings Ltd, which is already one of the largest employers in Andover, has announced its intention to build an additional factory (www.stannah.com).

It will join the Co-op, Westcoast and Travelodge at Andover Business Park, on the site of an old airfield.

Managing director Jon Stannah said: “We are absolutely delighted to confirm this further investment in Andover.

"We are seeing continued growth, and the new site will allow us to cope better with ever-increasing volumes.

The new factory will resolve the on-going issue of space in our factories at a stroke, giving us plenty of scope to ramp up production to respond to rising demand in the coming years.”

The company plans to vacate Anton Mill, where it manufactures the Midilift range of platform-lifts, and bring stair-lift and lift manufacturing together.

Fabrication work for both product lines will take place at Watt Close, while all assembly will take place at the new 90,000ft² factory, which will be more than 2.5-times the size of the Watt Close facility.

The new site will also allow the company to bring in-house some processes — such as painting rails — that have been out-sourced.

Andy Hastilow, managing director of Stannah’s manufacturing operations, said: “This new site is incredibly exciting for us as a business, and we are thrilled that we have the opportunity to expand in Andover, so close to our main site.

"The new factory will enable us to combine our platform-lift and stair-lift manufacturing operations, creating synergies and operating efficiencies.”