A RECORD breaking performance has crowned a memorable centenary year for Radcliffe-based James Halstead PLC.

The manufacturer and international distributor of commercial floor coverings, which has a flagship Polyflor manufacturing factory in Whitefield, has broken records for turnover, profit and dividend.

Its results for the year ending June 30 showed the company's revenue rose by 1.7 per cent to £227.3 million.

Pre-tax profits increased by 5.8 per cent to £44.2 million. The final dividend per ordinary share will be 7.858p, a significant 12.3 per cent jump.

Company chiefs also said that, during its centenary year, it had despatched 20 million square metres of flooring. Contracts included the Stade des Lumieres, built in Lyon, France, for Euro 2016, Matru retail stores in Chennai, India, and Queenstown International Airport in New Zealand

Chairman Geoffrey Halstead said: "As we close this 100th year, we should acknowledge our founder, James Halstead, who in the 20 years from founding the company until his death in 1935 built the foundations of our business. His obituary hailed him as having created a new industry in Manchester and it is with some pride that we continue to be part of the 'North West powerhouse'.

"Looking back over the years, it is clear that we are continually faced by great opportunities brilliantly disguised as difficult problems. Having traded throughout world wars, severe recession, the three-day week and financial crises, our endurance is evident."

On the outlook for the future, he continued: "Our latest ranges, Expona Flow and Designatex, were launched late in the financial year and have received an exciting early response. Combining this with the strength of our distribution in the coming year, I remain confident it will be 100 not out."

Chief executive Mark Halstead said: "Our progress in our centenary year has brought about record flooring turnover and record profit against a difficult market backdrop. Growth has been hard won and the final result is satisfying given the continued growth of sterling. We have consolidated our position as UK market leader and the UK growth of 10 per cent has been the bedrock of the year's results."