Sir Richard Branson's sorrow as Oswestry balloon company folds
They pushed the boundaries of balloon travel together – and today Sir Richard Branson spoke of his sadness at the closure of the factory in Per Lindstrand's name.
The entrepreneur and adventurer used balloons made by Oswestry-based Lindstrand Hot Air Balloons on record-breaking journeys across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
But the firm was placed in liquidation at the beginning of this week, bringing an end to almost 40 years of hot air balloon manufacturing in the town.
Per Lindstrand sold his stake in the company in 2003, but Sir Richard said it was a shame that his name was now no longer associated with balloon manufacturing.
Sir Richard, the founder of the Virgin Group of companies, said: "My adventures travelling in Lindstrand hot air balloons across the globe have given me some of my happiest memories.
"I'm saddened to see the company close its doors."
As well as his two ocean crossings, Sir Richard also used Lindstrand's balloons for three of attempts to circumnavigate the earth with Per Lindstrand.
Liquidators from Burton Sweet Corporate Recovery have now been appointed by the company's overall owners, Cameron Holdings Limited in Bristol, to complete the shutting down of the famous company.
However, the Lindstrand name will live on in Oswestry because Per Lindstrandnow runs Lindstrand Technologies in the town, making innovative inflatable products.
