600 Group boosts orders by 25 per cent

The company said that improvement in its global markets has continued, with order intake during the period 25 per cent above the same period last year.

It added that the confirmed order book position at the end of the four months to February 1 was 40 per cent higher than last year.

The group said the recovery of its machine tool and precision engineered component markets in North America has continued, with sales into the European market developing more slowly.

The laser marking division is performing above the board's expectations in its European and North American markets, the company said.

The company's mechanical and waste handling business in South Africa is benefiting from a contract for 1.2m with the State power supply company to provide a number of insulated aerial platforms that will be completed by the end of the financial year.

The statement said: "The integration of our facility in Poland, following its acquisition in November, is proceeding in line with our plans and machine output of group product for the European market is increasing. The business has also seen an increase in orders for both the German and Polish markets."

The board has announced that Paul Dupee and Derek Zissman are joining the board as non-executive directors with immediate effect and Christopher Cundy, currently a non-executive director, is standing down.

Chairman Martin Temple said: "I am delighted to welcome Paul and Derek to the board. Both bring a wealth of relevant experience as we push forward in developing the scale of the business and I am confident they will make a valuable contribution in shaping and implementing the group's future strategy.

"I would also like to express the board's thanks to Chris for his valuable contribution and we wish him well for the future."