Downturn in housebuilding market pushes materials firm into the red in 2008

好色先生TV supplies group Heywood Williams swung to a pre-tax loss of 拢2.3m in 2008 amid 鈥渆xtremely tough鈥� conditions in the residential market.

In its results for the year to 31 December, the firm said the severe economic downturn had caused the firm to record a loss, following a 拢9.1m profit in 2007. Turnover fell 12% to 拢219.2m, down from 拢250.5m the previous year.

The firm said its key objectives for 2009 were to ensure that the group operated within its banking covenants and to implement a 鈥渕ore appropriate鈥� long-term capital structure.

Chief executive Robert Barr said: 鈥淩esidential building products markets around the world had a very tough 2008 and conditions are expected to worsen in 2009.

鈥淭he group's priority over the medium term is to manage its balance sheet and maximise cash generation in order to weather the current difficult market conditions and be well positioned for the subsequent market upturn.鈥�

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