One of Andover’s largest companies is set to start work on a new factory after Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) signed off on plans.

Stannah, which manufactures lifts and stairlifts, is set to start work on a factory in Andover Business Park which will more than double its current capacity.

The plans had been submitted back in February, with hopes to begin building by the summer. However, after delays due to the pandemic, permission was granted for planning on December 10.

Jon Stannah, the managing director of the family firm, told the Advertiser that he was “delighted that planning approval has eventually been granted” and is looking forward to taking this project forward in 2021.

As part of the plans, the new factory will see stairlift and lift manufacturing united under one roof, with 90,000 square feet of space able to accommodate work currently taking place at a number of sites across Andover, including Anton Mill and Watt Close.

The site at Anton Mill will be vacated, while fabrication work for the lifts will continue in Watt Close. The rest of the manufacturing process will move to the new site, with processes such as painting rails brought in house now space is available for them.

The company is one of a number to base themselves at the Andover Business Park, the former site of an RAF base. Co-op has a large warehouse there, while companies such as Westcoast and Travelodge also call the site home.

The new building will also provide office space for the company, as well as solar panelled roofing. Over 2200 square metres of solar panels will be installed, saving 203 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year; the equivalent of driving over 500,000 miles in one car.

Andy Hastilow, the 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 stairlift manufacturing operations, creating synergies and operating efficiencies and will ensure that we continue to deliver a consistently high standard to all our customers.”

Planners gave permission for the work to go ahead on December 10. A completion date was originally given as mid-2021, but this is likely to have slipped back following the approval delay.