Air Products Group, a Walton-on-Thames manufacturer of industrial gases and related products, reports that its turnover for the year to 30 September was £520.3 million, down from £538.4 million.

The Surrey-based group, which employs about 1,800 people, is currently constructing two of the world’s largest renewable-energy plants in the Tees Valley.

These facilities, which use advanced gasification energy-from-waste technology, will provide enough electricity for up to 100,000 homes and create 100 permanent jobs.

The first is expected to come on stream later this year.