The UK's biggest bike manufacturer plans to double production to 100,000 vehicles a year at its new factory in Greenford.

Brompton Bicycle is moving from its home near Kew Bridge, Brentford - which it says it has outgrown - to a larger unit at Greenford Park, in Oldfield Lane North, Greenford, within the borough of Ealing.

It says the new unit, which at more than 86,000sq-ft is nearly twice the combined size of its current premises, will allow it to meet growing international demand.

The company, which has been based in Brentford, in the borough of Hounslow, since full-time production began in 1988 at Brentford Arches, says the extra space will also be used to develop the bikes and work on new projects.

getwestlondon had previously revealed Brompton planned to leave Brentford for Greenford, but the location of the new premises had not been confirmed before now.

The firm, which employs 240 staff, says bringing all the processes together at one facility will increase efficiency.

It said the move was under way and was on course to be completed by January next year.

A worker at Brompton Bicycle's current factory near Kew Bridge, Brentford

Brompton Bicycle chief executive Will Butler-Adams said: "In the early days we couldn't believe how big our factory was and how we would ever fill it. We have, and for some time, been squashed in it and need more space.

"We are committed to London; Brompton was born from a need of city living, our staff are Londoners and the city continues to inform how the Brompton develops.

"The move represents the ambition, passion and the long-term commitment we have to change how people live in cities around the globe.

"It comes with risks but these are worth taking if we wish to continue to innovate, both in our product and how we make it, such that we offer something of real value to our customers."

Brompton bikes were invented in 1975 by Andrew Ritchie from his flat overlooking the Brompton Oratory in South Kensington.

They have become a favourite with commuters, who can carry the folded-up bikes on busy trains, and are now sold in 44 countries, with 80% of vehicles being exported.

SEGRO, which manages Greenford Park, said Brompton had taken up a 15-year lease on the unit, where high-tech equipment would include 3D printers to develop prototypes.

Alan Holland, SEGRO's business unit director for Greater London, said: "Brompton Bicycle is one of the greats of Great British design and will be a fantastic addition to our world-class business cluster at Park Royal.

"Greenford Park's prime location and close proximity to the centre of London and Heathrow make it an ideal location to support the firm's international expansion plans."