The group reported a 7% rise in pre-tax profits to 7.2m on turnover also up 7% to 105.1m for the first six months of 2001.
Chairman John Ward said the performance was very creditable and that the group remained committed to achieving double-digit growth in earnings. It hopes to achieve synergies of 2.5m a year by the end of 2002 by restructuring packaging.
Macfarlane repeated its aim to close branches (PrintWeek, 18 May). It will shut at least half of its 40-strong network, eliminating the duplication of sites in key regions.
A spokesman said numbers had not been finalised but, for example, the groups presence in Coatbridge and Milton Keynes would fall from two sites to one in each case.
