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ACE WINCHES ANNOUNCES YEAR OF GROWTH AND CONSOLIDATION IN ANNUAL RESULTS

ACE Winches, a leader in the design, manufacture and hire of hydraulic winches, marine deck machinery and associated personnel for the offshore oil and gas, marine and renewable energy markets, is set to build on its enviable track of export and home grown talent as it announces its results for the past 12 months.

The Aberdeenshire-based company has reiterated a long-standing commitment to its local workforce by investing several million pounds in its new global headquarters on a 24-acre site at Towie Barclay Works, near Turriff.

ACE Winches’ annual report to October 2010, reveals a turnover of £16.8 million, up from £12.1 million the previous year and which slightly exceeds its projected turnover for the year. The company reports a pre-tax profit of £4.2 million in 2010, which is almost exactly the same as it reported in 2009, however the company’s significant investment at Towie Barclay is reflected in increased capital expenditure which more than doubled from £3.0 million in 2009 to £6.4 million in 2010. In April 2010 the company also opened a Norwegian base in Stavanger.

During the 2010 financial year employee numbers increased to 162 from 122 the previous year, reflecting the ongoing organic growth and expansion. Its commitment to staff is reflected in many ways, including its Modern Apprenticeship Scheme, which now accounts for around 20 per cent of the workforce.

Chief Executive Officer Alfie Cheyne said: “2010 was all about consolidation following our move to Towie Barclay Works. We have maintained a strong order book which allowed us to invest with confidence as we look towards expanding our overseas delivery whilst also servicing our solid client base here in the UK.”

“In 2010 approximately 62 per cent of overall turnover was from overseas markets. ACE Winches’ success so far has been based on specifically targeting the niche exports of skills and products to clearly defined markets and applications and by maintaining our focus on what we are good at. Our strategy is clearly defined and we have not allowed ourselves to become distracted by short term opportunities.”

“We have built upon Scotland’s reputation for engineering heritage and talented people with manufacturing skills developed in shipbuilding, oil and gas and increasingly marine renewable skills. We hone this process and take these engineering and manufacturing skills worldwide,” said Mr Cheyne.

Mr Cheyne said ACE Winches would continue its commitment to corporate social responsibility by maintaining its links and support to the local community and various charitable causes. The company has also prioritised facilities for staff at Towie Barclay with subsidised canteen meals, on-site gym, a football pitch and landscaped picnic area all being developed.

ACE was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade in April 2010. ACE Winches was required to demonstrate the effects of the activities and practices of business under several remits including Impact on Society, Environmental Impact, Relations with Suppliers, Partners and Contractors, Relations with Employees and Relations with Customers – a declaration of corporate responsibility.

The company raised £15,000 through a variety of fundraising events, which benefited RNLI, CHAS, Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre in Aberdeen and the Friends of Turriff Community Hospital. The company also sponsors Highland League side Turriff United. It recently presented Auchterless Primary School with a donation for the purchase of a range of books to update the school library.

Mr Cheyne said: “The company’s main objective remains securing the long term future for its workers and their families and that will be achieved by sustained growth, success and profitability. We will continue to invest in the business and pursue our vision of creating a world-class business that serves a global market.”

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