THE town’s water bottling firm is planning to expand after record sales.

Holywell Water Company, which bottles Malvern water at one of the most famous water features on the Hills, is going from strength to strength.

The firm is planning to expand production by installing an automated bottling plant early next year, on the back of strong sales.

Rhys Humm, a director of the firm, said: “We’ve seen a dramatic increase in sales this year over last year, and last year was very successful.

“We’ve got a strong London customer base, we’ve been getting serious export inquiries and the local uptake has been phenomenal.”

He said that the firm had adopted a strong marketing strategy following the closure of the Colwall bottling plant in 2010.

“Since Coca-Cola rather shamefully pulled the plug on Malvern Water, it has become a responsibility and a privilege to continue the heritage of this worldfamous water.” Earlier this year, the firm rebranded its water to include the word Malvern.

“Including the Malvern name in our branding was vital not just for us but also the legacy of the water, the town and its Victorian water cure.

“We hope this will continue to draw trade to the town and surrounding area.”

Malvern Hills District Council leader Coun David Hughes visited the plant to see its success for himself.

He said: “It’s excellent news for the town that once again we have water being bottled bearing the Malvern name, and I would urge all local organisations to get behind this venture and show their support.”

He said the council provides Holywell Malvern Spring Water in the meeting rooms where members of the public visit officers at the council.