Supply chain

Macfarlane Group has revealed that half-year sales in its packaging distribution business are up more than 10% on the same period in 2006.

In an interim trading statement today (11 July), the Glasgow-based group said its interim results, to be published on 11 September, would show a "significantly improved performance" from its packaging distribution arm.

Its labels, plastics and packaging manufacturing divisions have performed "satisfactorily" in the first six months of the year, it added.

Today's statement comes three months after Macfarlane chairman Archie Hunter confirmed the firm's ambitions to expand its packaging distribution operations, saying its 10% leading share of that market demonstrated the "potential for further growth".

The group's packaging distribution business already accounts for more than 60% of total sales.

Macfarlane paid £2m for packaging firm Bloomfield Supplies in October 2006 and is expected to pursue further acquisitions this year.