Brewer toasts increased profits; Private business IN ASSOCIATION WITH Rensburg Sheppards.

A BUSINESS based at the former Burtonwood brewing plant is tasting continued success, despite gloomy trading conditions.

Thomas Hardy Holdings (THH) increased turnover from pounds 23.4m to pounds 31.7m, in the year to September, 2008, with taxable profits moving ahead from pounds 208,000 to pounds 525,000.

The company brews and packages alcoholic beverages on behalf of customers such as Scottish & Newcastle, Carlsberg and Bacardi Martini.

THH and Burtonwood formed a joint venture in 1998 but the partnership was ended in 2004 with THH taking over the loss making brewery.

In the annual accounts, director Peter Ward stated: "Pre-tax profits exceeded pounds 500,000 for the first time in five years and cash from operations has contributed to a stronger balance sheet.

"The profit gains have been derived from continuing excellent relationships with customers and during the year the group renewed its brewing and bottling contract with Scottish & Newcastle, now under the ownership of Heineken.

"The outlook for the coming year looks promising, and the group expects to continue to remain in profit, despite the current economic climate, and will continue its policy of reducing short and medium-term debt."

When Thomas Hardy took sole control of the enterprise, an investment of more than pounds 3m was made at the Cheshire plant including a new lager fermentation and condition facility. There are two bottling lines capable of producing 600 bottles a minute.

THH says it is specifically customer focused as it has no pubs and is not a regional brewer selling spare capacity.

The trend of drinks companies to outsource brewing and bottling has been a big plus for the operation.

The former Burtonwood's business, which had around 500 pubs, is now part of Marston's PLC but its brand has been phased out.

BARRY TURNBULL