McALPINE Plumbing, the 111-year-old family business which is based at Hillington in Glasgow, has lifted its operating profits from £1.7 million to £2.1m last year on a £2.1m rise in turnover to £43.3m.

Pre-tax profit, however, slipped at the leading plumbing products manufacturer from £2m to £1.97m after finance costs almost doubled to £285,000.

The three McAlpine family directors, writing in the annual report, which has just been published, said that results were satisfactory and had been achieved in spite of adverse trading conditions in the UK and Europe.

The newly-published accounts show that staff numbers increased from 632 to 638, and suggest that each of the three directors saw their remuneration rise from £240,000 to £250,000.

"Currently, the group is trading at a satisfactory level which should be maintained throughout 2013," the directors said.

"The overall financial position remains strong with group liquidity stable and investment in plant and machinery being maintained at historical levels."

More than two-thirds of the increased sales came from exports, which rose from £12.2m to £13.6m, but the group does not disclose geographical breakdown for commercial reasons.

The accounts show shareholder funds steady at £22.1m.

Capital expenditure of £2.6m was higher than the previous year's £2.3m, and the debt-free group ended the year to December 31 with cash of £8.2m, up from £7.9m.