Bridport firm buys out rival

3:08pm Friday 4th July 2008

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A BRIDPORT company which makes wood burning and multi-fuel fires has bought out a rival firm in Axminster.

Arada Ltd, manufacturers of Aarrow and Hamlet Stoves, has taken over Villager Stoves - almost doubling its workforce to 70.

Managing director David Adams said production of the Villager fires would continue at the Millwey Rise plant in Axminster until at least the end of the year.

After that they would consider moving the operation to their Bridport factory on the town's North Mills estate.

Villager currently employ 30 people and Mr Adams said any redundancies made as a result of the move would be kept to an absolute minimum.

Relocating to Bridport, just 14 miles away, meant most of the Axminster jobs would be safeguarded as it was well within daily commuting distance.

Mr Adams stressed that the Villager brand would be retained.

"They are a very fine brand - one of oldest in the country - and we have every intention of developing them further.

Arada, which employs 40 at Bridport, is owned by John Burgis whose father George started the Villager company some 40 years ago.

This week he expressed his delight at having brought the firm back into the family - in the face of some stiff competition from other potential buyers.

He said: "We have long term plans in place and this opportunity comes at the right time to maximise growth opportunities both in the UK and Europe.

"Stove sales at Arada have grown significantly in recent years fuelled by rising oil and gas prices and the consumer's growing concern about environmental issues.

"Arada has been able to capitalise on these issues, due to its superior clean-burn technology and superbly engineered products for today's discerning customers.

"The Aarrow and Villager brands are market leaders and I see a great future for the new business and its employees."