33% jump in profits for Scalextrix company

Hornby, the model railway and Scalextric slot car racing company, reported a 33% hike in interim pre-tax profit and predicted strong Christmas trading.

In the six months to Sept 30, the London listed company made a pre-tax profit of £2.2m (€3.15) compared to £1.7m (€2.43) last year. This was achieved on a 13% rise in sales to £15.8m (€22.65).

The company also reported impressive sales in north America, where sales grew by 45%.

Hornby goods are manufactured in factories on the Pearl river delta in China. The factories are run by a subsidiary company Sanda Kan, which is owned by New York venture capitalists.