Swedish manufacturer Husqvarna has boosted turnover in its UK operation by 9% to £228.5m and says its well positioned to capitalise on several growing markets - including appetite for robotic lawnmowers.
The Newton Aycliffe-based part of the chainsaw and garden tools specialist saw operating profit drop from £8.36m to £5.1m in the year to the end of December 2021 but directors said they were satisfied with the performance. In accounts filed at Companies House, the manufacturer said it was focussed on a strategy for profitable growth supported by its product offer in high growth market segments such as battery powered tools, smart connected products for the garden, light construction industry products and robotic lawnmowers.
Earlier this year, the North East plant, which employs about 400 people, became the only factory within the group to make Husqvarna's new Ceora robotic lawnmower device. The move followed investment to create an in-house battery manufacturing facility.
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Writing in a review accompanying the accounts, director Glen Instone said: "Shaping great experiences is Husqvarna Group's vision - to make a real difference for its customers through leadership in sustainable user-centred solutions. This vision is an important driver behind the next phase of the Group's strategy for profitable growth.
"Husqvarna Group is well positioned in attractive markets with steady underlying growth. This is supplemented by a strong presence in a number of high-growth market segments, such as robotic lawn mowers, battery-powered products, smart connected solutions for garden care and growing segments in the light construction industry.
"Since 2013, Husqvarna Group's strategy has focused on measures to improve profitability and drive growth. This has been combined with restructuring activities and major investments to strengthen the Group's market and technical leadership."
Husqvarna Group includes three key divisions: Husqvarna Division, Gardena Division and the Construction Division.
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