Pegler Yorkshire’s 2012 financial results indicate a growth in export sales, while turnover in the UK has decreased.

The company has seen a 6% increase in pre-tax operating profits to £7m, primarily driven by a 25% increase in export sales to the Middle East, however the UK market remains challenging.

Pegler Yorkshire’s finance director Ian Howarth commented: “Against a challenging year our business is moving in line with expectations. Sales into the Middle East have been going from strength to strength while austerity measures both in the UK and Euro zone have translated into decline in the construction market.

“We have continued our investment programme, which has seen an injection of £7m in machinery and equipment at both our Yorkshire manufacturing sites. Furthermore, efficiency measures within distribution and general operations following prior years’ investments have driven our cost base down by 7.9%.”

Strategically, recognising that its core traditional products will continue to decline, Pegler Yorkshire is now looking to develop similar brand positions in its innovative, new technology connection portfolio in push and press fittings. It is also increasingly focusing on providing fully integrated Connect and Control systems, leveraging the combined expertise of the Pegler Yorkshire organisation.

Phill Jackson, Pegler Yorkshire’s marketing and business development director, said: “Recent reports have highlighted a rise in UK manufacturing output over the last few months which is a good indicator for sustained recovery in our sector. Yet, it would be difficult for this to continue if UK manufacturers don’t continue to push the boundaries of innovation, target additional markets and ultimately invest in their own business.”