Manchester manufacturer's results "not as anticipated"

A Manchester based manufacturer has reported a negligible growth in sales and a dip in profit for the six months ended 30 September.

Ensor Group, who make overhead doors, specialist packaging, roofing tools and materials, and drainage products, reported sales up £100,000 to £16.3m, but operating profit down to just over £850,000, from over £1.2 million.

Group chairman Ken Harrison described the results as “satisfactory, but not what we had anticipated”

Mr Harrison blamed the slow start and the reorganisation of Ensor’s Technocover acquisition (acquired January 2012) for the drop in profit.

However, Mr Harrison added: “Technocover has a strong order book and is now receiving instructions to commence this work, but the benefits are now expected to come through principally in the results for next year.”

Progress has been made in other subsidiaries.

Ensor Building Products has again made progress in the specialist roofing and drainage sectors taking greater market share, and, during the period, Ellard, who manufacture door motors and controls, successfully moved into purpose-built premises within the Manchester Airport City Enterprise Zone.

Mr Harrison noted that as the UK economy gains strength, Ensor will continue to hunt strategic acquisitions.

He said: “Much has been written about the recovery in the UK economy. At the beginning of the year, we felt there were a number of false starts and patchy trading trends. With caution, there are signs of improvement in the markets in which we operate, but we must remain careful to recognise any potential setbacks.

“We feel we are a progressive, if prudent, Group. Accordingly, for the future, we are constantly studying companies in allied and similar sectors to our own. We are watching for acquisition and business opportunities which could enhance Ensor and lead to improved shareholder value.”

The Ensor Group, a finalist in the Manchester Evening News Business of the Year awards, employs over 240 men and women, on ten sites, around the UK and in China.