Alexander Dennis sales up 20% to £602m

Falkirk-based bus maker Alexander Dennis enjoyed a 20% increase in sales to £602 million and a £10 million increase in profit before tax to £23 million in the financial year to December 31, 2015, boosted by a strong international performance.

Chief executive Colin Robertson said: “ … we enjoyed record international vehicle revenues of £261 million in 2015, an increase of 58% on the £165 million recorded in 2014, which itself was a record year.

“Of note is the Hong Kong market which was buoyant in 2015 and by mid 2017 we will have delivered in excess of 2,500 of our MMC Enviro 500 since its launch in 2013.

“This is a remarkable achievement for the business, underlining the credentials of a product that is now the bedrock of our international business across Asia and North America.”

In the firm’s latest accounts lodged at Companies House, Robertson added: “In 2016 we will continue the momentum established in 2015.

“We expect to maintain our market share in the UK as we continue to build on our investment in our product line up, industry leading product reliability and best in class customer support.

“Although the Hong Kong market is starting to ease off from its peak levels we have secured significant business in existing markets and a number of new markets that will help to offset this.”

In April, Aberdeen-based transport giant FirstGroup said its bus division has ordered 305 new vehicles worth £70 million — and that 204 of the buses would be made by Alexander Dennis.

Also in April, Perth-based Stagecoach Group announced 480 new vehicle orders worth £97 million and said Alexander Dennis would make at least 415 of those.