Measured success

A third-quarter sales lull stifled what looked to be a promising year for Millbrook Scientific, the designer and manufacturer of instruments for measuring films and coatings at nanoscale level.

Headline sales at the Blackburn company increased by 32 per cent but it admitted the 12 months was not as strong as was hoped. The downturn was attributed to several customers failing to secure capital budget allocations in time, though sales recovered towards the end of the year.

However, with a steadily growing global presence — new markets last year included Australia and Greece, while sales in Asia grew by 92 per cent — executive chairman Dr Peter Stefanini remained confident.

'Last year's principal achievement was that we completed the development of a number of new products that greatly enhance our range. These are now ready to market and have already generated substantial interest. Compared with last year, the order book is stronger, the product range is broader and the cost base is reduced,' he said.