Independent aggregates and concrete producer Ennstone increased first half trading profit by 15.7% to UK£9.4m (EUR13.9m) on a turnover 21.0% ahead at £97.8m (€144.5m). 

Capital expenditure in the period amounted to £18.6m (EUR27.5m) and gearing at the end of June stood at 84%.  The British operations accounted for 76.6% of turnover, with Virginia and Pennsylvania contributing 20.8% and the emerging Polish operations 2.6%. 

Strong price improvements in the British operations in part reflected a concentration on higher value produces.  The USA performed well in the first half, but the remainder of the year is likely to be more competitive, while the Polish business is performing strongly. Published under Cement News