Naylor Hails Progress in a Challenging Year

Naylor’s turnover increased 12 per cent to £77.9m (2022: £69.8m) in the 12 months to February 28 2023 helped by organic growth and an acquisition. During the year, the company restructured its clayware business and exited commodity clay pipe markets in the face of soaring energy costs.

completed the acquisition of Burnley-based Tuffpipes, a manufacturer of PVC ducting, in May 2022; this business has recently been relocated into a new purpose-built 4000 sq m production hall on Naylor’s Cawthorne site.

Naylor again invested heavily in plant and premises, with £6.1m of capital additions (2022: £5.7m) including plastic extrusion equipment and a new chiller system at Cawthorne. Despite the disruption associated with restructuring the clay business and commissioning new equipment, profitability progressed steadily, with underlying profit before tax of £5.6m (2022: £4.1m).

Naylor Chief Executive Edward Naylor said: “The year has been challenging, with volatile energy markets and input cost inflation but we have been pleased to see the impact of recent capital investment in increased productivity and capacity. Our key markets remain rather unsettled, and in terms of growth, the emphasis for the year ahead is on new product development – we have some exciting new products to launch – as well as on bolt-on acquisitions which enhance our offering.”

Despite economic uncertainty, Naylor remains optimistic about the future, with business development plans for the coming years including further significant capital investment. An ongoing apprentice programme is introducing the next generation of skilled employees into the business.

About Naylor Industries:

Naylor is a fourth-generation family business with seven manufacturing sites across the UK, including three in the Barnsley area.

The company manufactures pipes and concrete products and employs 400 people. It serves customers in the infrastructure, utilities, construction and agriculture markets.

Every year, Naylor manufactures enough pipe and ducting to stretch around the world, twice. In addition, it manufactures Novoform – a permanent formwork product – as well as having a successful consumer business, manufacturing frost-proof Flowerpots for the UK home leisure market.