Maxi Caledonian reported turnover of £80.54 million and pre-tax profit of £1.029m for the year to September 30, 2019.

The construction business had another successful year with slightly lower turnover but increased profits, while Maxi said the haulage business had “huge costs” associated with the problems of maintaining customer service during Brexit, with “panic buying and other related problems” on the Irish business reducing profit to a marginal level. A total of £4m was invested in vehicles and plant and facilities during the year.

Maxi said the group continues with positive cash flows and substantial financial reserves and no borrowings and owns outright all its depots, vehicles and plant. Both divisions were “doing well” in the current year until the COVID-19 crisis which closed the construction sites. These are now opening again but with slow client start up of projects.

The haulage business has continued throughout the crisis maintaining service to key industry customers but at reduced turnover. Plans are in place to cope with further COVID-19 outbreaks and Maxi said it expects the companies to achieve a low level of profitability in the current year to September.

During this financial year, Maxi Construction completed the design and construction of a 12,000ft² steel framed warehouse for Maxi Haulage at its Bellshill Depot. The redeveloped depot now provides 22,000 ft² of warehousing and office accommodation.

Chairman Gerry Atkinson said: “Despite all the unprecedented issues, the group remains extremely strong and has coped very well during the crisis. We will take advantage of any commercial opportunities, adhering to government guidelines and new legislation, whilst maintaining high levels of customer service.

“The next big challenge will be Brexit which will cause major changes to our logistics operations but I am sure we will demonstrate our excellent management skills by adapting to it.”