A Hampshire company has climbed the international ladder of success to reach new heights in its highly specialised field.

A S Fire and Rescue Equipment, based in Totton, is now recognised around the globe as the leading maker of ladders which have to meet the life or death requirements of fire brigades worldwide.

Formed as a result of a management buy-out in 1995, A S Fire and Rescue Equipment has just marked a significant milestone in its manufacturing history.

The company, with its headquarters in Commercial Road, handed over the 6,000th ladder off the assembly line of its 464 model.

So called because its extended length is 46 foot and four inches, the ladder has become the mainstay of fire brigades up and down the UK as well as with many overseas fire fighting forces.

Presenting the ladder to the West Midlands Fire Brigade, the company's managing director, David Chisnell, said: "That is 6,000 examples of just one type of ladder.

"We now produce a huge product range including roller shutter doors and auxiliary fire equipment as well a wide range of ladders.

"A S ladders and equipment are exported to more than 50 countries worldwide and this fact, together with the achievement of the production of 6,000 '464' ladders, is due in no small part to the dedication and expertise of the company's workforce.''

In 1978, Angus Sacol Ladders was formed for the specific purpose of continuing production of the 464 ladder. This was a jointly owned company stemming from Sacol Engineering and Angus Fire Armour, who were both involved locally in the fire fighting industry.

This continued until 1995, when a management buy-out took place and the company name was changed to A S Fire and Rescue Equipment Limited.

At the same time, Bayley Ladders was also purchased by the A S management team and incorporated into the company.

Besides its reputation for producing high-quality handmade ladder for the fire brigade, the company - which employs a staff of 43 - has expanded into a new area of manufacture - making specialist climbing equipment for police firearms units.