Aga reports 15pc increase in orders
Improvements to the housing market have led to a sharp upturn in orders for Telford cooker manufacturer Aga Rangemaster, the company said today.
Increased mortgage approvals have seen the company reporting a 15 per cent increase in cooker orders since July 1, despite having been below last year's figure in the first half of the year.
The firm now predicts a "sound" performance in 2013, with the outlook improving in the second half as sales and product initiatives come to market, including the start of a collaboration which will see its products sold in China.
Chief executive William McGrath said: "The improving housing market creates a more positive backcloth for the group and sales trend lines in most of our operations are encouraging.
"However, until household goods expenditure starts growing, it is right to be cautious. Aga sales are a hotspot fueled by our new generation of product and, as home moves increase, our products come front of mind."
Second half revenues are expected to run ahead of last year for the firm, which makes its famous cast iron cookers at Coalbrookdale in the Ironbridge Gorge.
