EAST Anglia-based infection control specialist Tristel yesterday revealed plans for a new round of expansion as it posted annual profits up by more than a third.

The company, based at Snailwell, near Newmarket, reported a pre-tax profit of �1.72million for the 12 months to June 30, up 34.2% on the previous year’s figure of �1.29m.

Turnover was up 28%, at �8.76m against �6.85m, reflecting Tristel’s acquisition of the Medichem animal healthcare range last year and increased sales, particularly overseas, of its hospital infection control products.

The figures represent a fifth consecutive year of increased sales and profits for the company since joining the AIM market in 2005.

Chief executive Paul Swinney said yesterday that the successful integration of the Medichem range into the company’s manufacturing operation had given it the confidence to add a third strand to its business, in the form of a clean room operation.

This would add to its capability in respect of disinfectant products for hospitals and pharmacies and allow it to enter new markets in the form of pharmaceutical, cosmetics and toiletries plants.

A five-strong sales team has been recruited for the project and the �950,000 clean room investment is due to be completed by the end of the current financial year. The clean room manufacturing operation is expected to create eight jobs in all, taking the total workforce at Snailwell to more than 60.

Mr Swinney said that, besides the successful integration of the Medichem range, which meant its existing manufacturing plant was now operating to 85% of capacity, the other operational highlight of the past year had been the establishment of a subsidiary in China, together with entry into the German market.