JOHN Gosnell, the Lewes-based manufacturer of cosmetics and home fragrances, is to move into custom-built premises for the first time in its 340-year history

It will relocate later this year to its new home which is now being constructed on Malling Brooks Industrial Estate.

Known locally as “the soap factory”, John Gosnell has been in Lewes since the 1930s, when the company relocated from London to the Old Brewery site.

In 1980 the factory moved to the Phoenix Industrial Estate, an area that is being regenerated under the North Street Quarter scheme.

This £180 million development will provide 400 homes and workshop and retail units for artisan businesses as well as an opportunity for larger businesses such as John Gosnell to relocate.

John Gosnell’s managing director Chris Warner is the fourth generation of his family to run the business.

He said that the move to Malling Brooks means the company can not only stay in Lewes but also expand.

He said: “We don’t take moving lightly – this is only the sixth time we’ve moved in 340 years.

“Most of our employees are from Lewes and have been for generations, so staying in the town is really important for us.

“But we need better premises.”