Redditch-based lighting manufacturer FW Thorpe (
www.fwthorpe.co.uk) has reported a strong first half to its fiscal year, with revenues up by 23.8% and operating profits up by almost 20%.
The group says that it is now looking for sustained momentum during the second half of the year, boosted by the expansion of one of its local operations.
For the six months to 31 December, its revenues reached £51.2 million, while its pre-tax profits were £7.8 million.
In the group’s interim results statement, chairman Andrew Thorpe said: “While normally expecting a higher level of profit attainment on raised revenues, the exceptionally buoyant first half at our largest entity — Thorlux Lighting — had to be met by high levels of over-time and shift working, which has inevitably led to a higher cost of production than we would have liked.
These actions were necessary to satisfy spikes in customer demand, but it is unlikely that the need for such levels of activity will persist.
“Hardware investment also continues; this has most recently included the purchase of a modern 1,800m
2 freehold factory unit in Redditch for our TRT Lighting division, which was being constrained through lack of space.
“This new space will not only increase manufacturing capacity at TRT Lighting but also house a new paint plant serving as a back-up facility for Thorlux, where capacity is stretched. It will also house a new surface-mount circuit-board production line.”