Perthshire underwear company Molke plans to expand its manufacturing footprint after more than doubling its sales in the past year.
The firm launched two years ago after a successful crowdfunding campaign and operates from a unit at Scone Airport.
Growing staff numbers has led the company to make plans to open a larger manufacturing facility later this year.
During the past year the firm’s monthly turnover has grown from £14,000 to £33,000 and staff numbers have increased from six to 15.
Creative director Kirsty Lunn, who operates the firm with Ros Marshall, said: “In the past year our customer numbers have gone from around 6,000 to 10,000 – including a growth in international sales which are now sitting at around 14% of sales.
“Our output has increased from 250 to 600 bras per week during the same period.
“We have been working on improving our manufacturing capability and performance this year, supported by the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service, and have also worked with Scottish Development International on our internationalisation strategy.
“We’re looking to take on more staff to keep up with demand for our products but need more space to accommodate the sewing machines, stock and distribution before we can do that.
“We will be staying in Scone and are working closely with Morris Leslie on plans for the new premises which we hope to move into by autumn this year.”
The company was given a further boost when it secured a £45,000 grant at last month’s Scottish EDGE awards.
Molke also has plans to diversify its product range to include leggings and swimware.
Ms Lunn said: “We are expanding our range mainly in response to feedback from our customers who are very passionate about our products and have repeatedly asked us about swimwear, leggings and children’s underwear.
“I started out by making cloth nappies and clothes for my own children so in a way it’s going back to our roots.
“We’re aiming to launch the swimwear in a few weeks’ time and the leggings later in the year.”
rmclaren@thecourier.co.uk