Slough, Berkshire-based Arlen Plc, the public company that thinks its a private one (CI No 2,501), again reported its results with extreme reluctance. The figures show a pre-tax profit of ú3.2m for the year, against losses in 1993 of ú6.8m. A capital reconstruction programme was undertaken to enable management to keep shareholders happy with a modest 0.4 pence dividend for the year. Chairman Greville Howard said that trading for the electronic parts company had been difficult, due in part to rising raw materials costs forcing margins to be squeezed further as customers are unwilling to pay more for the products. However, improvements in efficiency would compensate for this in 1995, he said. After the good interim results, things have slowed down somewhat, first half sales growth of 16% proved unsustainable in the second six months, when sales remained at 1993 levels. Full-year turnover rose by 10% to ú29.2m. The Arlen Electrical business plans new products for the domestic and export markets this year, which will enable it to supply every electrical part necessary to equip a house, according to Howard. The Columbia Staver heat dissipator and semiconductor arm continues to invest in research and equipment necessary to compete with south-east Asian rivals.
