Firm declares healthy order books and seeks further acquisitions

Fall arrest systems manufacturer Latchways has reported a healthy order book and strong sales for the last six months, and claimed it is seeing a rise in demand for renewable technology systems.

In the UK, the wind power generation industry has been a major force in generating business, the firm said in a trading statement this morning. Latchways has been providing protection for workers climbing wind turbines and demand for its fall protection system Mansafe has seen a rise.

Latchways also reported a rise in sales of its Wingrip vacuum-based fall protection system with aircraft maker Boeing taking orders for its new generation of commercial airliners.

The service-based divisions have, however, had a slow start to the year, partly due to poor weather affecting projects, and due to contractual delays in the specialist fixing division. The firm expects a stronger performance in the second half.

The firm said it was looking at further acquisitions to enhance its product range after it bought Height Solutions, which manufacturers walkway products for rooftop applications, last month.