Vibrant year for Crown Paints with promise to invest in production

MANUFACTURER Crown Paints, who have a production facility in Hull, have reported “positive” annual results with profits rising 7% to £23.5m.

Revenues at the company, which traces its roots in its hometown Darwen back to 1777, rose 3% in 2014 to £199.9m.

Crown, which is owned by Danish group Hempel and employs more than 1,000 people across the UK, including at a production facility in Hull, said it was seeing the benefits of investment in its brand, product choice and quality which delivered “above market growth” in the year.

Managing director Joe Devitt said: “The company will continue to invest heavily in manufacturing and supply chain, delivering best in class efficiency improvements in productivity and output.”

He said market conditions had improved in 2014 and had helped the business grow year-on-year.

“The company values the strength of relationship through non-financial KPIs such as quality and service. Cost per litre is a key measure for operational efficiency and recent investments have delivered year-on-year improvements here too.

Looking ahead to the current year, Devitt was upbeat on Crown’s prospects in the market place: “In line with economic forecasts, the company is expected limited market growth in 2015. The directors believe, however, that our strong brand focus, close customer relationships and strategic investments will allow the company to deliver another year of growth, both in the UK and overseas.

“The continued offer of value, service and choice to our customers, remains the key to our development.”