Packaging manufacturer Robinson enjoys better second half

In a trading statement ahead of its 2009 results, which are scheduled to be released in March, the Chesterfield based company said revenues, at £23.8 million for the year, were 8% lower than in the previous year but in line with its expectations. However, results during the second half of the year, where revenues were just 2% lower than in the corresponding period in 2008, had been a substantial improvement over the first half of the year when revenues were 15% lower than in the same period of 2008. Robinson said the lower revenues were largely a result of sudden destocking in the toiletries sector which occurred during the second quarter. In addition, the North American paperboard business suffered from its exposure to the US market where sales through duty free outlets were particularly badly hit. The plastics business in Poland continued to show positive growth. Beyond Chesterfield, Robinson has additional manufacturing facilities in Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Stanton Hill (Nottinghamshire) in Toronto (Canada) and in Lodz (Poland. It employs around 400 people and operates primarily within the food, drink, confectionery, cosmetic and toiletry sectors, providing packaging for customers like Proctor & Gamble, Nestlé, Kraft, Cadbury, Northern Foods, Masterfoods, Bakkavor, Unilever, Avon and Chivas in the fast moving consumer goods market.