UCM banks on investment to improve performance

摘要

IN ITS preliminary results for 2002, UK-based fused minerals producer UCM Group plc has reported pre-tax profits of 2.8m pounds. (before exceptional items), down from 3.3m pounds. in 2001. Earnings per share were also dawn in 2002 at 8.lp before exceptionals, compared with 9.9p in 2001. However; the group's turnover rose by almost 1 percent, from 33.4m pounds. to 33.7m pounds. last year. During 2002, UCM brought a major capital expenditure programme virtually to completion. This included geographic concentration of some of the company's magnesia and zirconia operations, and the start-up of a joint venture project in China. Total investment in the plans was 4.6m pounds., which were implemented in order to achieve a strategic repositioning in the market.