Family-run business Stannah is celebrating the opening of a new factory as it continues to invest in Andover.

The 160-year-old business welcomed Mayor Heather Neate to cut the ribbon on a new 90,000 square foot factory at Pioneer Road in Andover Business Park - on the same day the one millionth stairlift left its production line.

Jon Stannah represented six generations of the family. At the ceremony he thanked workers and staff for their ongoing support and said the company remained committed to the town. 

(Image: Newsquest)

His son Sam, 31, is eager to follow in his footsteps and, alongside stairlift fabrication and assembly functions, has set up an area in the factory to produce the new ‘Uplift’, which is designed as a small lift for home users.

Stannah employs 800 people in Andover and is looking to recruit more workers.

Sam said: “We’re actively looking to fill lots of roles, from factory workers, administrative staff, sales and technical support workers.”

Before the ribbon cutting, a special event was held for family and staff at Stannah's HQ on Thursday, October 10.

Brian Stannah, Sam’s grandfather, made an emotional speech saying they wouldn’t be where they were without their employees commitment and involvement. 

He fondly remembered Prince Charles’s visit in 2011 for the 500,000th lift and singled out members of staff who had served the company for many years. 

One of those was William Roberts, 71 who has been working at Stannah for fifty-three years.

Afterwards Mr Roberts said: "I started as a trainee draftsman in 1971, and now I'm training a new generation. I see Stannah as family, it's a very special company, everyone's very approachable."

(Image: Newsquest)

Since the introduction of the Stannah stairlift in 1975 by Brian and Alan Stannah MBE, now chairmen of the business, the company has produced 1,000,000 stairlifts, “also a testament to the hard work and dedication of Stannah employees across the world”.

MD of the company, Jon Stannah said that recognition of hitting the milestone meant a lot to him: “We've been going a long time and we're fortunate to have a great team, which is why people like working for us. We employ around 2,5000 people, around 800 of which are in Andover, but as the factory takes on more custom our workforce will grow showing our commitment to Andover."

His father, Brian, explained why they had decided to move the business from London to the town: "We looked at a site in Wales and then we discovered Andover because it was part of the Government's 'Expanded Town Scheme' so we moved here and are very pleased we decided to locate in Andover."

The company has expansion in its sights and has recently submitted plans to develop a five-acre site adjoining the new factory.