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Record-breaker Steelite International releases results from another successful year full of achievements.

3 April 2014

The leading Stoke-on-Trent ceramics manufacturer has posted the milestone figures after a year of investment in factory expansion which has led to new products and new jobs. 2013 also saw the company receive the highly esteemed Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

For the fourth year running Steelite International broke its turnover record with sales of £89.6 million in 2013 – up by 19.4 million from 2012 which includes 6.2 million resulting from the acquisition of Royal Crown Derby in December 2012.

Revenues were helped by strong performances in all global markets.

Pre-tax profits stood at £8.4 million for the year, up from 17% in the previous year; reflecting the strong increase in sales. 

Kevin Oakes, Chief Executive at Steelite International, said: “It’s been a truly incredible year for Steelite International, and I’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone involved.

The commitment and passion of the team here and overseas has been a real driver for this growth.

We sell into more than 140 countries and I have no doubt that that is largely because we manufacture in the UK.

Our overseas customers see a real value in the Made in England backstamp.”

To support this, sales this year will be bolstered by the rebranding of Royal Crown Derby as it moves into the high-end hospitality and retail markets with new products and designs; another example of quality, design and integrity.

Steelite International employs more than 1000 people, with more than 900 of these working at its Stoke-on-Trent and Derby factories and 100 overseas.

Recruitment has already commenced for the 60 new jobs in the 2,000 sq. metre (22,000 sq. ft) extension to the dish-making unit, set to be completed by the end of July, 2014. 

There are plans to develop the site further following the purchase of land from the local authority.

Mr Oakes said: “That’s great for this city, it’s great for the industry and it’s great for Steelite International.

This is such an exciting time for the group, and the plans we have for both Steelite International and Royal Crown Derby will ensure that we maintain our momentum.

Everyone who has contributed to our success in 2013 should feel a huge amount of pride, and I fully expect 2014 to be another exceptional year. So much so, that on Friday 4th April, employees will be recognized at the annual Stepping Up To The Plate Awards”