PROFITS at Wolstenholme Rink, one of East Lancashire's biggest employers, have soared to £3.6 million, despite continuing problems with the strength of the pound.

The Darwen based firm, which supplies products to the printing and ink industries, today reported a 37 per cent rise in pre-tax profits in the first six months of the year, from £2.6m during the same period last year.

"We've seen a good trading recovery in the first half of the year and we believe that this should continue across the rest of 1997," said joint chairman Tony Rink.

The Wolstenholme International arm, which manufactures bronze powders and metallic inks at its Darwen site, saw strong growth in sales and a reduction in raw material costs.

Despite the improved performance the firm, which employs more than 600 people, said the strength of sterling was continuing to affect its results.

The firm said it expected the costs to be around £700,000 for the year, but improved productivity and reduced costs were expected to offset some of that figure.

Shareholders will receive an interim dividend of 10p a share.

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