Evans Vanodine weathers the Japanese tsunami

JANITORIAL and livestock protection chemicals manufacturer Evans Vanodine saw political unrest and natural disasters push up the price of its key raw materials last year.

The earthquake and tsunami in Japan in March 2011 wiped out a major supplier of iodine – a key ingredient in its livestock products – and contributed to a doubling of prices.

The Preston-based firm, which employs 138 staff, recorded a pre-tax profit of £828,442, down from £1.4m last time, according to newly-filed accounts. Sales rose 5% to £22.9m.

The business said it did not pass on these higher costs to customers and absorbed the increase in the hope prices would return to normal shortly.

In his report chairman Derek Evans said upheavals in the eurozone would make the coming year just as challenging.

“However, with a significant amount of expenditure being allocated to new plant and machinery, and with the quality and dedication of staff in each of the company’s departments, I continue to look very positively to the company’s future.”