The group, which runs a 96pp MAN Roland Lithoman at its Stibo Graphic facility in Horsens, made a 6.8m (DKr72m) operating profit for the year to 30 April. Net revenues also rose from 101m to 106m, while pre-tax profit more than doubled to 6m.

Stibo has been active in the UK market for two decades, picking up contracts with the likes of RS Components along the way, and its most recent win has been for the production of most of the European catalogues for computer supplier Micro Warehouse.

During the year the group also secured a major deal with VWR International to produce most of the European catalogues for pharmaceutical company Merck.

Stibo Graphic sales and marketing manager Uffe Hansen said the groups restructuring a year ago into three divisions Stibo Graphic, catalogue systems developer Stibo Catalog, and CCI Europe, which develops newspaper editorial systems had proven to be the right move.

Weve had efficiency wins on all levels, he added. Its easy to see what each division is about.

Hansen also indicated that the group could add new equipment soon. Im positive well look more seriously at things in the next six months. Our equipment is in good shape, but were also going for a growth strategy so we need to invest to be able to grow.

But he admitted that Stibo was finding it harder to win UK contracts due to currency fluctuations. We have to fight quite a bit more as the competitive balance has changed, he said.

Stibo Group was formed in 1794 in Aarhuus. It has been run by a foundation since 1964 and reinvests all profits.

Story by Gordon Carson