RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014
Transformation on track to support future growth
Devro plc ("Devro" or the "Group"), one of the world's leading manufacturers of collagen products for the food industry, is pleased to announce its results for the year ended 31 December 2014.
Operational highlights
· Performance was in line with expectations
· Sales volumes have shown steady recovery since end of first quarter and revenue for the year grew by 2% in constant currency*
· Operating profit before exceptional items lower than prior year primarily due to actions taken to restructure the business reducing profits by £6.6 million and adverse foreign exchange movements of £4.3 million
· Strong cash generation with operating cash flow before exceptional items up by 10% as inventory levels reduced following actions taken to manage production capacity together with improved sales
Strategic highlights
· Sales continue to grow in the strategically important markets of China, Japan and Germany, with China sales already at 50% of new plant capacity
· Three year programme to transform the manufacturing footprint is progressing to plan
- Investment projects for new plants in China and USA on track to commence production in 2016
- First phase of restructuring of operations in Scotland now complete
- Restructuring of operations in Australia now implemented
- Restructuring actions on track to deliver annual cost reductions of £5 million from early 2015
· Exceptional items relate to this transformation and are in line with previous guidance