600 Group sees order book take big leap

MACHINE tool and engineering company 600 Group said its order book continues to grow as its markets recover.

The Heckmondwike-based company said order intake is up 25 per

cent between October 3 to February 1, compared with the same period a year earlier. Its order book is 40 per cent.

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600 Group said recovery of its machine tool and component markets in North America has continued, but European sales have developed more slowly.

The group added its laser marking division is performing in line with its expectations. Its mechanical and waste-handling business in South Africa is benefiting from a 1.2m contract to provide insulated aerial platforms to the state power supply company.

600 last year bought a machine tool manufacturing facility in Tarnow, Poland, for 1m euros. The group said integration of the site is progressing in line with its plans and machine output for Europe is increasing. The business has also seen an increase in orders for German and Polish markets.

Last year the group also raised 2m after expenses through a loan from its biggest shareholder, Haddeo Partners. The investment effectively gave Haddeo and its affiliates 36 per cent of the group. Haddeo is backed by US investor Paul Dupee and Rupert Hambro of the Hambro banking dynasty.

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The group yesterday said Mr Dupee and former KPMG vice chairman Derek Zissman are joining its board as non-executive directors with immediate effect, while non-executive director Christopher Cundy is standing down.

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