Carron's losses starting to sink

LOSSES at sink maker Carron Phoenix narrowed last year after trading conditions showed "some improvement" in the second half of 2009, accounts filed at Companies House show.

Turnover fell by 4 per cent to 32.3 million in 2009, with pre-tax losses reduced from 979,000 to 414,000.

The company said it had taken steps to lower the cost of its major materials, while the firm's headcount also fell from 366 to 316. The directors said: "The cash generation from operations during 2009 was strong and this is expected to continue. This will lead to all capital expenditure being funded by cash generated from trading."

Carron traces its roots back to 1759, when its iron foundry was founded in Falkirk. The firm made the canons used by Wellington at Waterloo and later red phone boxes and post boxes.