Robinson Regulatory News (RBN)

22 Jan 2007 07:01

Robinson PLC22 January 2007 For Immediate Release 22nd January 2007 Robinson plc TRADING STATEMENT Robinson plc ("Robinson" or "the Company"; stock code: RBN), the custommanufacturer of paperboard and plastic packaging, today issues the followingtrading statement, prior to the announcement of its preliminary results for theyear ended 31 December 2006, which is scheduled to be released on 23rd March2007. Overall, Robinson achieved a 10% increase in turnover in 2006, which is largely attributable to the acquisition of the Stanton Hill business from VR Plastics in May 2006. The other Plastics businesses achieved turnover growth of 13%, much of which was attributable to the pass through of significant increases in resin and energy costs. Turnover of the Paperboard division was down 24%, reflecting continuing tough market conditions. As a result of the previously announced loss of the Goldenfry paperboard business at the end of 2006, the Company has made 49 redundancies at Chesterfield and has incurred some associated non-cash write offs. This, together with continuing pressure on plastics margins and the exceptional start-up costs of the Poland operation, will result in a disappointing outcome for 2006. The Stanton Hill plastics business is performing ahead of expectations and the Polish operation is moving towards break even, in line with our expectations. The sales of surplus properties in Chesterfield are progressing and we hope to be in a position to make some further announcements regarding these in the next few months. For further information, please contact: Robinson PLCGuy Robinson, Finance Director Tel: 01246 220022 www.r1son.co.uk Bankside ConsultantsSue Scott/Michael Padley Tel: 020 7367 8888 --ENDS-- This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange