Earnings double in year as de-icer changes track

Jun 25 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

A DE-ICING company is continuing to drive up its sales after unveiling plans to open a Chinese outpost and winning a big American contract.

Haltwhistle firm Kilfrost has seen turnover double to £30m in the past 12 months after it re-thought its strategy, recruited key staff and benefited from the coldest winter in the northern hemisphere for years.

In the coming months it will launch its first Chinese venture, with a joint partner, by opening an office in Tianjin.

And it is excited about its prospects of breaking into new markets after winning the contract to provide de-icers to keep Chicago’s trains running.

The 75-year-old company was initially focused solely on de-icing products for aircraft. But it is now looking at wider markets, including other transport and industry.

Chief executive Gary Lydiate said: “We have just had a record year where we saw our turnover double and we expect further marked growth this year. The North American and European markets are performing strongly and our new Chinese joint venture will help drive sales in the Asian markets.

“We are the world leader in airline and airport de-icing products, but there are other applications for our products.”