Bed company enters administration after 150 years

A 150-year-old company has gone into administration, with the loss of 71 jobs.

Airsprung, which makes mattresses and beds for major retailers, is based on Canal Road in Trowbridge, Wiltshire.

On 30 April it was announced the business faced risk of closure unless a rescue plan could be found. This week it was confirmed the company had gone into administration..

Joint administrator Edward Williams said people who had been made redundant would be supported during the "unsettling" time.

"It's very sad that this well-known business with 150 years of history and iconic brands within the mattress and bed industry has had to go into administration," he added.

Airsprung began life as a mattress factory called Chapmans of Trowbridge in 1871 and notably supplied a bed to 10 Downing Street in 1957. In 1987, the company was named the UK's second-largest manufacturer of beds.

The administrators said they will explore "any interest" in the business over the coming weeks, with 131 staff staying on during the process.

Tean Dallaway, CEO and director of Airsprung, said the development was "very sad and disappointing".

She added: "I would like to sincerely thank our customers and suppliers for their support over many years, and most importantly our employees for their dedication, professionalism, and hard work.

"Their commitment has been central to the business, and it is very sad and disappointing that the business has entered administration."

The company's products, which include Airsprung, Gainsborough and Airofreem brands, are made for shops such as Dunelm and Asda.

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