A record turnover of GBP 513.3m (EUR 758.9m) at pack- aging manufacturer RPC Group (GB-Higham Ferrers, Northants NN10 8RP; www.rpc-containers.co.uk) in the year to 31 March 2005 was accompanied by a highest-ever operating profit of GBP 30.4m. Pretax profit was down 23%, at GBP 17.9m, principally because of a GBP 6.9m provision for the closure of the former Nampak blow moulding site at Woburn Sands. Cash inflow from operating activities was GBP 53.3m and GBP 32.6m was spent on capital goods.

Chief executive Ron Marsh said last year´s acquisitions from Rexam and Nampak have lived up to expectations. The four Rexam factories took the group into the Czech Repub- lic, broadened the technology base for in-mould labelling, gave it a leading position in the French dairy market and ex- tended its activities in UK injection moulding.

The group´s management has been restructured, following the purchase of the seven Nampak factories in late 2004. One-third of capacity from Woburn Sands has already been transferred to sites at Rushden and Plenmeller, and the facility´s closure will be completed by October 2006. RPC´s core strategy of developing its position in continental Europe continues, as management believes the industry has “vast scope for further consolidation.”