Walker Greenbank factories benefit from strong order book

The company said that its pre-tax profits for the year to 31 January 2011 were expected to be "materially ahead of consensus analyst forecasts". During the past few weeks, the company's brands had achieved their highest-ever level of sales of wallpapers and fabrics with all of its brands contributing to the strong sales performance. The result included a significant resurgence in its premium brand Zoffany. The mid-market Sanderson and Harlequin brands had continued to perform particularly well. Sanderson's Vintage collection, launched earlier this year, had become its biggest selling collection since Walker Greenbank acquired it in 2003. Walker Greenbank said its wallpaper and fabric printing factories were continuing to benefit from strong order books, both from its own brands and from third-parties. Chief executive John Sach said: "We are delighted to have achieved record sales and profits in the past few weeks, and we continue to benefit from the success of our brands and from the positive trends in the luxury goods market. Our continuing investment in new product launches is underpinned by our robust cash generation, further strengthening the position of our brands in the luxury interiors marketplace."