CO Antrim trailer-maker the Retlan Manufacturing Group has ended what it describes as a "momentous" year by reporting record sales and profits.
The Toomebridge company - whose principal division is SDC Trailers - was reporting its last set of results (covering the year to last April) before its acquisition in June by China International Marine Containers (CIMC), the largest make of containers in the world.
They reveal that the group's turnover soared by 14 per cent to nearly a fifth of a billion pounds (£196.9 million) in the period, with SDC alone contributing £186.6m of that total.
And SDC, the largest manufacturer of trailers in the UK, also reported a 35 per cent jump in pre-tax profits to £11.5m.
Retlan Group chief executive Mark Cuskeran told the Irish News: "The staff and management at SDC Trailers are delighted to see such a positive set of results after a momentous year for the company.
"Last June's acquisition was an important step forward for SDC Trailers and the rest of the Retlan Group.
"Indeed the transition to new ownership has been a smooth and positive experience for all involved and we look forward to continued success in the next 12 months."
Figures posted at Companies House reveal that the Retlan Group (as well as making and selling commercial trailers it sells other commercial vehicles and parts) had an average workforce of 828 over the year (down slightly on the previous year), which saw its wages bill rise from just under £23m to £25.7m.
The group's new parent CIMC Vehicles, which currently makes more than 200,000 trailers and semi-trailers a year, already has dozens of manufacturing facilities across the world in North America, Europe, Australia, Thailand and mainland China.
Established in Toomebridge in 1978, SDC has expanded its trailer business into Europe. The Retlan Group has production plants at Toomebridge and Antrim as well as Mansfield in England.
With production levels exceeding 9,400 units last year, SDC continues to drive innovation and explore new markets including the Middle East.
