Ennstone turnover up to £200m

Ennstone, the aggregates and building products group, has unveiled a pre-tax profit of £14m (£13m) with turnover (12 months to 31 December 2006) much higher at £200m (£160m).

Ennstone's UK aggregates operations had "a tremendous year" said Vaughan McLeod, chairman.

"We made progress in growing added-value product capacity as a route to market for our higher-value, single-size aggregates," he reported. "In England, three new asphalt plants and four new concrete plants were built and commissioned during the year, giving excellent coverage across the Midlands."

Ennstone has integrated and successfully re-branded the three contracting businesses bought in 2006 from Smith, Parry and May Guerney. They trade as Ennstone Johnston Contracting. Further growth is sought.

Ennstone Thistle had an outstanding year, said McLeod. "Our Scottish business goes from strength to strength," he said, "and profits have increased for the sixth successive year."

In building products, 2006 was a difficult year with prices down. As a result, Ennstone has simplified its management structure with shorter lines of communication.