IT'S definitely a case of raised glasses to Ledbury drinks producer Bevisol Ltd, which is undergoing significant expansion due to increasing demand for its ciders and fruit wines.

The company in Bromyard Road began as a business start up in 2011 when it employed 11 people. This has now grown to a work force of 38, which this year will produce around 66 million litres of final product.

"Due to continual growth in its cider market, Bevisol had already reached full capacity in 2013 and we are now investing more than £3m to increase production capacity by a further 100 per cent," said managing director Chris Newall.

"We have named the project Manhattan, after after Big Apple, and it involves the installation of new fermentation tanks, filters and processing equipment, as well as upgrading the site services and utilities, such as water and electricity supply.

"We had already recruited additional staff some months ago ready for when work is completed in July, so ensuring the new technicians are fully up to speed with the new modern production equipment, designed to make the highest quality ciders.

"A comprehensive commissioning and training plan is under way as the new production areas are fully integrated with existing production."