Further redundancy programme under way at 600 Group

Reporting its results for the half year to 27 September, the company said its continental European and South African markets had experienced reasonable growth. However, the UK and North American markets were showing continued weakness, reflecting the current economic difficulties. Order intake activity in the first half of the year continued at a similar overall level to last year although our outstanding order book was lower than at this point last year and a further contraction in global markets is expected. Sales for the half year increased by 10% to £45 million (2007: £41m) but operating profit before exceptional costs of £1.2 million incurred through a previously announced programme of 70 redundancies, was £0.1m (2007: £0.6m). The pre-tax loss for the half year was £1.0 million compared with a £1. million profit last time. Following the appointment of David Norman as Group Chief Executive in August, a detailed review of operations has been performed and actions arising from the initial findings of this review were being implemented. A further redundancy programme in the UK and North American operations had commenced that will reduce the workforce by approximately 45 employees. In the UK we the company has closed its head office in Leeds and transferred the function to the main manufacturing plant in West Yorkshire.