600 Group reveals improving fortunes

Overall sales for the half year increased by 10 per cent to £41 million (2006: £37 million). After adjustment for the disposal of Erickson Machine Tools Inc in April 2007, underlying sales increased by 14 per cent. Underlying order intake increased by 15 per cent compared to last year, with substantial improvements in our UK, North American and European businesses. The Group's outstanding order book is 18 per cent higher than at this time last year and includes the major contract, already announced, for three Mitsui Seiki machines for a major UK aerospace company to be delivered during the next financial year. Following these results the Group has announced contracts for in excess of £1 million of Toyoda-Mitsui machines. Gross profit margins have improved to 31 per cent (2006: 29 per cent). Profit before tax increasing was £1.6 million (2006: £0.3 million). Pictured: 600 Group chief executive Andrew Dick