Bodybuilders boost sales by 56%
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• Sales by British motor body builders have increased by 56.7% in the past three years to 2550 million, according to TCC's Business Ratio Report on Motor Body Builders and Engineers.
During the same period, the industry has seen average profit margins increase from 3.9% to 4.6%.
Only seven companies of the 64 surveyed recorded lower sales, while 22 enjoyed an annual growth rate of 20% or more.
The most spectacular growth in sales in the industry was recorded by Wincanton Garages, which saw sales increase from 211.7 million to 271.8 million between 1982 and 1985, partly as the result of its takeover and merger activity.
Fairey Engineering from Stockport in Cheshire also fared well. It saw a growth in sales from 226.8 million to 256.1 million and a 45% annual growth in profits to 212.9 million in 1985.
TCC reports that the industry seems to be enjoying a miniboom, with a low average level of debt and sharply increased sales and profits. Average productivity in the industry has risen over the three years under consideration at a rate far higher than increases in wage rates, which in 1985 stood at an average of 28,091.