A major manufacturing company will close its doors in the new year after 100 years of trading from its headquarters in Wantage.

EMS Physio, a third-generation company which produces medical supplies, was founded in 1924 and moved to Grove Business Park in 1969.

Managing director James Greenham said: “I reluctantly, but eventually took the decision that we have to close the business.”

He continued: “We’re terribly disappointed, for everybody. It’s a well-respected, well-organised company and the staff are brilliant.”

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The company traded globally but faced rising costs in key markets compounded by Covid, Brexit, and the cost of living struggle. 

Mr Greenham said: “The cost of regulation is unmanageable. We’d have to pay tens of thousands of pounds to comply with regulations form next year to continue trading around the world.

“There’s more competition, prices are being driven lower, and essentially as a UK based manufacturer you’ve got to be of a certain size just to absorb the overheads.”

EMS Physio employs about 25 people, mostly in their Wantage factory.

“You don’t want to let down staff, or customers or suppliers, but you have to face reality,” he said.

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The closure is especially poignant this year, on the business’s centenary anniversary. 

Mr Greenham said: “I’m glad we got to 100 years, but my priority now is to land the closure comfortably and safely.”

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