Slimma profits dented

Investments in increased production capacity dented profits at Slimma, the clothing manufacturer that specialises in polyester trousers and skirts for the larger woman.

Slimma, which floated on the stock market in February, bought a new facility at Cannock, Staffordshire, and incurred additional costs when it installed a new computer-controlled cutting machine in 1994. It has also been expanding into jackets and blouses, and now employs 540 compared with 430 last year. The company's target market is 40- to 50-year-old women who prefer a roomier garment.

Slimma stocks up to size 30 - and size 34 in countries such as Germany. It says about a third of women are size 16 or over - a market that grew more than 30 per cent between 1988 and 1993. It expects further growth.

Slimma's sales for the year to 30 September increased from £15.2m to £17m. UK mail order rose 26 per cent to £5.25m, and exports more than doubled to £1.8m. Pre-tax profits slipped from £1.1m to £1.05m for the year and the shares closed 9p lower at 105p.

Alan Webb, chairman, said: "We believe that demographic trends are in our favour and our broader size range is becoming increasingly popular." He added that while the order book remained healthy he was cautious about the outlook for 1995 as the consumer recovery remained patchy.