Encourgaing signs for AGA Rangemaster
COOKER and boiler manufacturer AGA Rangemaster says it has seen some encouraging signs in autumn trading.
In an interim management statement for the period from July 1, the Midlands-based firm said that after a late start to the autumn season, trading for our major brands has shown some encouraging signs.
“The trend that saw AGA volumes up 4% at the half year has continued,” it said.
“The recent addition of the programmable 5-oven iTotal Control and developing more effective international dealer structures should help maintain momentum.
“Rangemaster continues to show its strength as a market leading kitchen appliance brand with growth on the Continent off-setting UK market weakness.
“Conditions in Ireland remain tough and sales there are stabilising at levels appreciably below last year.”
Fired Earth has sustained its like-for-like improvement with orders up over 8%,
led by a strong performance in tiles and is trading at close to break-even for the year.
In North America AGA Marvel continues to make progress and new market
opportunities indicate an appreciably better 2013.
The firm said work is going well in preparation for the 2013 launch of its products in China by its partner, Vatti, and for the launch in Europe of their products.
William McGrath, chief executive of AGA Rangemaster, said: “This is a sound trading performance for the group. The progress of our product offering and the expected finalisation of the pension financing arrangements combine to give an air of optimism for 2013.”
