Adria Group, the family-owned firm behind waste-management specialist Taylors Industrial Services, said its success at keeping costs down boosted profits in its last full trading year.
Accounts released by Companies House yesterday show Aberdeen-based Adria made pre-tax profits of about £12.5million during the 12 months to October 31, 2015, up slightly from just under £12.4million the year before.
Turnover lifted to £28.7million in the latest period, from £28million previously.
Adria, which has “substantial property interests” and also owns landfill site operator Easter Hatton Environmental (Waste Away), property firm Deedream and the Cairnton Estate on Royal Deeside, said it remained financially strong after the 2014/15 trading year.
“The directors maintain a close control of costs,” the company said, adding: “This is reflected in the operating profit achieved during the year. Overall, therefore, the directors are satisfied with the net profit for the year of £9.8million after corporation tax of £2.6million.”
Adria’s operating profits for both 2014/15 and the previous year were similar to its pre-tax figures.
The group, which is owned by its two directors, Adrian Taylor and his son, Kevin, said dividends for the most recent period totalled £5.67million.
It also said the trading performance combined with the Taylors’ decision to retain a “sustainable part” of group profits had contributed to an increase in shareholders funds to £66million, including £7.2million in cash reserves.
Some of this was needed to finance the continuing costs of building an extension to its landfill site at Easter Hatton, near Balmedie.
Adria said: “In addition, the directors will continue the existing policy of replacing vehicles and equipment to ensure that they are of the highest quality and suitable for the required purpose.”
It added the financial and business climate following the slump in oil prices was challenging, but the directors were confident the group would continue to benefit from its efforts to keep costs under control.
The group employed 126 people on average during its trading year, compared with 137 in the previous 12 months.
Founded by Wyllie Taylor – Adrian’s father – in 1962, Taylors originally began working for the granite trade and local paper mills.
As the oil industry began to grow, Taylors expanded its services to offer bulk fluids transportation and industrial and marine tank cleaning. It later branched out into waste treatment and recycling.
