SCOTTISH detergent, toiletries and aerosol products manufacturer Sanmex International experienced a dip in profits in its last financial year, but owner Steven Groden highlighted his satisfaction with his company's performance relative to that of its competitors.

Accounts which have just become available from Companies House show that Sanmex, a third-generation family company based at Rutherglen near Glasgow, recorded a dip in pre-tax profits to £491,815 in the year to January 30, from £615,084 in the prior 12 months.

Mr Groden highlighted the fact that recent significant investment by Sanmex had increased its depreciation charge and thus reduced profits.

And the dip in profits followed a rise in earnings in prior financial years. Sanmex made pre-tax profits of £522,311 in the 12 months to January 2011. It made pre-tax profits of £401,800 in the year to January 2010.

Sanmex achieved a rise in turnover to £16.98m in the year to January 30, 2013, from £16.1m in the prior 12 months.

Mr Groden said that turnover and profits were likely to be static or even slightly down in the current financial year to next January, compared with the 12 months to January 2013.

However, he anticipated turnover and profit "moving forward" in the year to January 2015. He highlighted recent contract wins which would have a positive impact on trading through 2014.

Noting his industry was very dependent on oil and gas prices, he said: "There has been quite a few hard years in aerosols."

He added: "In any industry, you have got to compare how you are doing against your competitors. We are doing well. The business will develop and move forwards.

"We have gained a number of contracts recently, which will build for 2014 as well."

Mr Groden highlighted an investment of about £750,000 this year in chemical processing, which is currently being completed. He noted this would increase the efficiency of the process of mixing the chemicals before they are put into the cans, and reduce Sanmex's carbon footprint.

Sanmex, which had an average of 69 employees in the year to January 30, is also moving into new technology to produce aerosol products which use compressed air rather than the traditional gases employed, such as butane.

Mr Groden highlighted opportunities for Sanmex in the anti-perspirant market.

Contemplating Sanmex's latest results, and looking ahead, Mr Groden said: "I think it was a good performance. The company is continuing to move forward. We envisage that happening over the next number of years as well, definitely."