Member Article

Carrs Milling Industries optimistic following Chirton Engineering buy-up

Carrs Milling Industries, the Carlisle-headquartered agriculture and engineering group which owns Tyneside’s Chirton Engineering, says the firm is trading in line with expectations this year.

The 180 year-old firm acquired North Shields based Chirton Engineering in April and says Chirton is ready to move into larger premises next year to cater for increasing demand.

In June Carrs opened its Wälischmiller factory in Germany, which is being fed by research projects into the effects of radiation on battery life, and motor technology.

The firm reported its work to adapt Telbot, a robotic device for gas tank inspections, for use in the oil and gas industry, is progressing well.

Carrs’ contract with BP Shah Deniz for 27 pressure vessels has been expanded further to a value of £8 million, and the forward order book at Bendalls is now full through 2014 and into 2015.

It also said signs of activity in the nuclear sector are encouraging and the division is in a strong position to start capitalising on these in the next financial year.

Carrs’ MSM business continued to perform ahead of expectations thanks to demand from the Sellafield “life of plant” contract, signed in 2012.

In Carr’s Agriculture division the refurbishment of its Carrs Billington country store network over the last 12 months had improved efficiencies, and global demand for Carr’s feed blocks continues.

Elsewhere in the Food division, Carrs said this year’s harvest is expected to be large, but the quality remains unknown.

Tim Davies, chief executive, commented: “Our geographic diversity and continued investment has ensured that we are at the forefront of innovation, technology and design. This has resulted in a strong performance across every division during the period.

“As such, we expect the full year performance to be in line with our existing expectations.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .