A 150-year-old specialist mannequin company supplying the high-end fashion industry has opened in a new home in Waltham Forest, after previously fearing it would be forced from the borough. 

Proportion London occupied the old tram depot, Mandora House, in Blackhorse Lane, Walthamstow, since 2002.

But there were fears for the workforce when the building was sold on for redevelopment and the business faced the prospect of moving away.

The company, which produces 2,500 fibre glass mannequins and 15,000 papier-mâché variants annually, has now opened a new 40,000 sq. ft. factory at an old storage warehouse in Hickman Avenue, Highams Park. 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: A selection of hand-crafted mannequins on display

A selection of full-size mannequins designed and produced by Proportion London

Creative director Tanya Reynolds said the new factory is more efficient and staff are happy. 

She added: "Mandora House grew organically and was a beautiful, charismatic factory. 

"It was very sad to leave. 

"We had been there an awfully long time and it was very important we stay in Waltham Forest. 

"Our biggest asset to the company is our highly skilled staff. 

"We employ over 50 people and have not had a single person leave as a result of moving to Hickman Avenue. 

"The new all-white factory is brand-spanking new, designed for the 21st century and absolutely fit-for-purpose. 

"We have invested an awful lot of money into this site and fitted it out with a mezzanine, a great canteen and the production runs from the back through to the front."

"Staff were tepid about moving here but it has a whole different vibe and they are very happy."

Proportion London owns two other subsidiaries, which operate alongside staff at the factory.

Gems Studio designs wax and fibreglass mannequins for museums and exhibitions and Studio Mannequins sell mannequins to independent retails. 

Proportion London's clients include Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Burberry, Hobbs, Liberty and Marks and Spencer.

In June 2014, the company successfully sued Chinese mannequin manufacturer Qingdao Deliya for copying and selling their moulds. 

Qingdao Deliya, trading as Global Mannequins were forced to destroy all of the moulds and cease advertising and using the product on their website. 

Ms Reynolds said it was very "unusual" for a western company to win a copyright case in China and said there is a "constant threat" to plagiarism in China. 

She added: "We are continually vigilant to the threat of plagiarism from others, most especially because we pride ourselves as innovators who are prepared to put hard earned resources behind research and development.