Ceramics manufacturer sees profits ahead of expectations

Churchill China, the Stoke-based manufacturer of ceramic products, has said it anticipates that profit for 2022 will be at the upper end of analyst expectations.

The firm’s range of market expectations for profit before tax is £8m to £8.8m.

In a statement, the company said: “Despite ongoing market uncertainty we have continued to grow revenue in export markets and our UK market position has benefited from our ability to offer a high level of service.

“As previously noted, margin levels remain lower than in previous years although there has been some improvement in the second half of the year as we have managed the challenges of increased material and energy costs.

“Our outstanding order book remains above normal levels and progress has been made in improving supply to customers towards the end of the year. The rate of incoming orders continues to be satisfactory.

“We continue to build our market position for the long term and to invest in strategic initiatives aligned to market development, operational efficiency and energy management”.