Joinery and flooring sales at Howdens Joinery have increased subtsantially, helping the group record a £23.5m pre-tax profit in the first half of 2011 (2010: £21.6m).
Sales increased 4.9% to £334.9m helped by a price increase implemented in March.
“In demanding market conditions, this growth has been achieved through a number of factors,” it said.
“The value of kitchen sales (including furniture and worktops) has risen partly as a result of a higher proportion of sales from mid and higher-priced ranges.
“Also, the value of door sales has increased as the mix has changed and the volume of sales of joinery and flooring has increased substantially.”
The growth of the business has led Howdens to further invest for the future.
As revealed by TTJ earlier in July, Howdens has placed a £12m order with Italian machinery company Biesse for two new production lines for kitchen cabinet manufacture at its Runcorn and Howden factories in a moved to increase output signifantly and boost security of supply.
Howdens, which has opened five new depots this year, taking the total number to 494, expects market conditions to be challenging for the rest of 2011 but remains confident about its performance.
