Bed company at risk of closing after 150 years

Owners of a bed company in operation for 150 years say the business is at risk of closing due to a period of financial difficulty.

Airsprung Group PLC, based in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, filed a Notice of Intention (NOI) to appoint administrators on 22 April, which means it could go into administration unless a rescue plan is found.

The company said the decision was made due to "significant pressures faced in the sector" and that discussions were ongoing to find a way to "preserve the company".

A spokesperson added: "Whilst these options are being progressed, the filing of an NOI provides the directors and the business some breathing space to see these options through."

Airsprung, which makes products like beds, mattresses and upholstery, is based in a factory on Canal Road in the north of Trowbridge.

The company began life as a mattress factory called Chapmans of Trowbridge in 1871 and now supplies brands such as Airsprung, Gainsborough, and Hush to places like Asda and Dunelm.

On Tuesday, a fire in the company's factory yard was brought under control by firefighters.

The blaze took hold in a shed used for storing recycling materials, said the company's group marketing director.

"It did not affect the building and will not have any material impact on the business," said Tony Stuart‑Brown, adding: "Production was interrupted only briefly while the fire was tackled."

Mel Jacob, leader of Trowbridge Town Council, said: "We are very sorry to hear about this fire at Airsprung but relieved that no one was hurt."

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