News

Felixstowe firm James Kemball saw pre-tax profit for the year to December 2007 slip to £646,800 from £731,472 in the previous 12-month period on a turnover of £17.2m -up from the previous year's £14.8m. Operating profit fell to £768,460 last year from £810,136 in the previous year. The directors at the Suffolk container haulier, which is owned by shipping line K-Line, describe the results for the year as "satisfactory". The financial statement from the company says fuel costs are the main threat  to future profit, but adds: "However, this would have an industry-wide impact and therefore this risk is mitigated, to some extent, by the ability of the company to pass some of the increases on to its customers while remaining competitive on price."

The company says it expanded its fleet last year in response to increased demand and plans to continue its capital investment programme throughout 2008. The company financial statement adds: "This work includes expanding the company's operations of trailers for rent to subcontractors, which started during 2006." Sister company Ralph Morton Transport, which was acquired by K-Line in January (MT 24 January), reported a rise in turnover to £10.1m in the 13 months to 31 December 2007. Pre-tax profit also rose to £749,691, up from £472,765 in 2006.