Globally sales increased 8% to 574m (Yen111,822m) and pre-tax profits by 54% to 50.2m. Komori UK head of marketing Philip Dunn said the UK reflected the international performance, but couldn't provide exact UK numbers.

He highlighted the success of long perfectors both in B1 and B2 formats in the UK. And the B2 four-colour Spica 429 had been a surprise success for the firm, taking it into markets it was previously unfamiliar with both in the UK and worldwide.

Komori's success in the B1 market, particularly in China, has led to the company bringing forward the completion of the main part of its new factory in Tsukuba. By the end of the year the 185,000sqm factory, which currently houses a final testing centre, will begin manufacturing  doubling the firm's B1 capacity.