Steelite International has delivered record results for the third year in a row, posting a turnover record with sales of £70.2 million in 2012 – up six per cent from £66.3 million in 2011, and unveiling details of investment that will lead to more than 230 new jobs.
Pre-tax profits stood at £7.2 million for the year, down from £7.9 million because of costs related to expansion plans and the acquisition of world-famous brand Royal Crown Derby.
Kevin Oakes, Chief Executive at Steelite International, commented:
“We sell into more than 130 countries, and more than 80 per cent of our turnover is from export markets. I have no doubt that’s largely because we manufacture in the UK.
“Our overseas customers see a real value in the Made in England backstamp. It’s not just about the quality and design, it’s about the integrity of the business as a whole – the service we offer and the fact that we stand by our products and our values.”
Three new ranges in 2012
Demand was helped in 2012 by three new ranges – Craft, Koto and Optik. Sales this year will be bolstered by Royal Crown Derby as the new acquisition moves into the high-end hospitality market with new products and designs.
Expansion
Steelite International employs more than 800 people, with more than 700 of these working at its Stoke-on-Trent headquarters.
That will rise by 60 when a 2,000 square metre (22,000 sq ft) extension to the dish-making unit is completed by the end of the year.
Next year, work starts on a new state-of-the-art 5,480 square metre (59,000 sq ft) production facility adjacent to Steelite International’s existing site that will create more than 170 additional jobs.