Walsall-based manufacturing group Chamberlin reports that, despite “technical issues” at its foundry operations and “technical problems” at its new machining facility, group turnover increased by 17% (to £37.7 million) in the year to 31 March 2018.

However, its underlying operating profit before tax declined from £700,000 to £400,000.

Chamberlin chairman Keith Butler-Wheelhouse said: “While the year delivered on our revenue expectations, margins suffered due to the difficulties we encountered in the start-up of our new machining facility and a ramp-up of the Walsall foundry to meet unexpected demand (www.chamberlin.co.uk).

“The technical issues at the new machining facility continue to improve, and new products for machining are also being introduced.

“The group remains well placed for further progress in the new financial year, as cost efficiencies are realised.”