A company that makes 3D X-ray machines for security, bomb detection and industrial inspections has seen a rise in orders following a slowdown during the pandemic.
Management at Image Scan said deals with clients in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Togo, Brazil, and Columbia had helped take sales to almost £1.5 million for the last six months – 85 per cent up on a year earlier.
The business was also back in the black for the period with pre-tax profits of £16,000 compared to a loss of £345,000 a year before. In a trading update the business said growing momentum from trade shows and demonstrations – including a Middle Eastern regional trade event, supported by the Department for International Trade Internationalisation Fund – had helped its performance.
Image Scan, which is based in the village of Barrow upon Soar, near Loughborough, in north Leicestershire, was launched in 1996 and supplies fixed and portable equipment for capturing multiple view X-ray images for customers all over the world.
Clients include police forces, military, security services, bomb disposal teams, prisons, ports, airports, cargo handlers, freight forwarders, corporate HQs, mail rooms and stadia and events operators.
As well as checking for contraband and explosives, its machines can be used to carry out quality checks on industrial products which have concealed features and components hidden away inside them.
Recent deals included supplying a large volume portable X-ray system to a Spanish security customer.
Chief executive Vince Deery said: "We are pleased with the financial results for the first half of the year and our operational highlights demonstrate our continued commitment to delivering high-quality products and services to our customers.
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“The half year performance demonstrates a substantial improvement over the same period last year with the higher levels of activity reported at the commencement of the financial period successfully converted into contracts and delivery of product to customers.
“The decline in margin reflects the product mix and pressures of the global economic conditions.
“With careful cost management and continued improved market activity and product innovation we hope to maintain the momentum to deliver a full year in line with market expectations.
“As part of the board's succession plan, Dr Richard Leaver has stated his intention to resign as vice chairman and will leave the board at the end of the financial year.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Richard, and acknowledge his dedication, support, and guidance to the company over the years of his valuable service."