Naylor Industries, the construction materials manufacturer, has reported a strong increase in annual turnover after completing a major capital investment programme.

Sales rose 13% to £55.3 million as new premises and equipment became fully operational during the year ending 28 February 2019. Operating profits increased to £2.4 million from £440,000 the previous year.

Naylor is a fourth-generation family business with five manufacturing sites across the UK, including three in the Barnsley area. The company manufactures clay and plastic pipes as well as concrete products and employs 400 people.

Recent years have seen the company undertake considerable investments in plant and premises, including the acquisition of two new freehold sites in Barugh Green and Wombwell, and the construction of a £5.5 million plant for manufacturing large diameter plastic drainage, which have laid the foundations for future growth.

Edward Naylor, Chief Executive, said: “2018/19 was a year of good progress. We finished commissioning our new premises and plant and the results benefited from a reduced level of disruption and a greater focus on business development.”

The company said turnover per employee increased significantly over the year as capital investments impacted positively on labour productivity.