ULTRAFRAME today announced record results with a 18.4 per cent jump in profits.

The Clitheroe-based conservatory roofing firm made pre-tax profits of £22.27 million in the year to October 1 this year compared to £18.81 million in 1998.

Chief executive David Moore said progress had been made in the UK and abroad, as well as in the development of new products.

He said: "All areas of the business have seen growth and the significant investment programme we have undertaken in the last year, together with the steps we have taken to develop new markets for our products, has given us a strong platform for further growth."

The firm, which employs 600 hundred people in the Ribble Valley, said sales in Europe had been maintained while efforts were being concentrated on its joint venture in North America with Royal group technologies Limited.

The firm has also invested heavily on its IT infrastructure and in Clitheroe £3.5 million has been spent on new buildings and a state-of-the-art racking system which is the first of its kind in the UK.

Mr Moore said: "The growth of our business, our factory reorganisation and overseas expansion have all placed heavy demands on our employees this year.

"Their hard work and dedication will continue to be an important part of our ability to deliver our future potential for shareholders."

Shareholders will receive a final dividend of 4.6 pence per share.

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