ONE of Andover's world class manufacturing businesses is to increase investment and its product range at a time when many other companies are scaling back activities.

However, a report in a national newspaper detailing an impending sale of Britax Childcare has been described as 'journalistic speculation' by managing director Andrew Stafford, who says there is 'no imminent planned sale of the business'.

The company, acq-uired by The Royal Bank of Scotland private equity in 2001, employs 1,200 people worldwide - 250 of them in Andover.

"We are growing the business very successfully, not only in the UK but in Europe, North America and Australia," said Mr Stafford.

"We are extremely pleased with the performance of all businesses and we have exciting plans for increased production and employment in our factories in the near future."

Since launching in the US market six year ago the company has captured 15 per cent of the market and is market leader in Germany where it is known as 'Romer' and in Australia where it is called 'safe n'Sound'.

For the full story see Friday's Andover Advertiser.