Marshalls lays down positive picture

Landscape products manufacturer Marshalls’ revenue for continuing operations increased 7% last year to £403m and, based on recent contract awarded data, the company predicts the outlook for 2008 in the public sector and commercial markets will be positive.

In a trading statement it said that acquisitions, which cost the group £12m in 2007, contributed £10m to revenue. Investment would continue, the company added, and a further £14m will be spent on initiatives to boost organic growth.

When acquisitions are stripped out revenue from continuing operations was up 4% at £393m.

The growth is accounted for by sales to the public sector and commercial market, which were up 7%. The company blamed wet weather last summer for a static performance in the domestic market.

Much of Marshalls’ investment has been in its natural stone business, where it has acquired and invested in sandstone walling and reconstituted stone walling operations in the north-east and Scotland.

In aggregates, the company has extended its coverage, acquiring a quarry in the south-west, developing a sand and gravel deposit near Manchester and making additional investment in West Yorkshire.

Looking forward the company expects trading in the public sector and commercial market to be positive, while it predicts an improvement in domestic market performance.