AN independent paint and varnish manufacturer is not closing, its managing director has confirmed.
Ric Herod decided to make an official statement about the firm's future after rumours that T and R Williamson's, of Ripon, was about to close.
Mr Herod said: "We have no intention of closing at all and any suggestion that we are going to close it absolutely untrue."
The company was founded by brothers Thomas and Robert Williamson in 1775 and is believed to be one of the oldest paint and varnish companies in Europe.
It employs 20 people at its site in Stonebridgegate, near Ripon city centre.
Mr Herod said there had been some streamlining at the firm and some staff had not been replaced.
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