Angus-based jam and preserves manufacturer Mackays sweetened its pre-tax profits last year.
New accounts released by the firm, one of the region’s major private employers, show turnover increased from £16.8 million in 2013 to just shy of £17m in the year to December 31 2014.
Operating profit in the period improved from £1.09m to £1.17m and the firm saw pre-tax profits increase by just over £100,000 to £836,554.
The company, which is based at Kirkton Industrial estate in Arbroath, is one of the UK’s major jam, marmalade, preserve, chutney and relish producers.
The accounts show the company employed an average of 140 staff during 2014, but that figure has grown to 150.
The report also shows the majority of Mackays sales – more than 70% with a value of almost £12m – were made in the UK last year.
The return was a significant improvement from the £11.24m of UK-derived revenues it produced in 2013 and helped to offset lower international sales of £4.97 in the period.
The company, which trades under the Mrs Bridges and Mackays brands, exports into 78 countries worldwide and has been impacted by the strengthening of the pound.
However, Mackays said it was confident of a “strong performance” this year.
The firm also said it had strengthened its balance sheet from £2.68m to £3.3m during the year and a £376,648 capital spend had expanded its manufacturing capacity.
“At the heart of the business and, indeed profitability, lie our brands,” managing director Martin Grant said in his strategic review to the accounts.
“Mackays’ continuing development in home and international markets is something on which the board places great emphasis.
“In addition, the Mrs Bridges brand is continuing to hold a market-leading position in the retail channels that the brand supplies.
“Raw material costs are stable, are under constant review and future pricing arrangements with key suppliers will continue for the foreseeable future.
“This indicates that stability will remain in place throughout 2015.”
The firm, which produces the world famous Dundee Orange marmalade, was originally founded by the Mackay brothers in 1938.
It has been in the hands of the Grant family since food industry veteran Paul Grant bought over the business in 1995.
Mackays Ltd
Mackays was founded in 1938 by the Mackay Brothers. Today, owned by the Grant family and based in Scotland, they are proud of their heritage and authentic products.
