Macfarlane warns on profits after fatal incident

(Sharecast News) - Macfarlane Group warned on Wednesday that its full-year profits would fall short of expectations following a fatal incident at one of its Pitreavie facilities and weaker-than-anticipated trading in its distribution business during the second half of the year. The Glasgow-based packaging group said it now expected adjusted operating profit for 2025 to be 20% to 25% below market forecasts of £24.7m.

It said Pitreavie's performance, which it acquired in January, would be "materially below previous management expectations" after operations at one site were temporarily suspended pending an investigation by the authorities.

"Following the tragic incident at Pitreavie our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted," said chair Aleen Gulvanessian.

"Since then, steps have been taken and will continue to be taken to provide such support and activities as are needed to ensure the wellbeing of our colleagues.

"The incident has naturally had a significant impact on the Macfarlane business.

"The board supports the management team in its focus on stabilising the Pitreavie business and implementing actions to improve the performance of the Distribution business."

Macfarlane said improvements in distribution sales and margins had been slower than expected amid persistently challenging market conditions, although manufacturing operations, excluding Pitreavie, continued to perform robustly.

Macfarlane added that its priorities for the rest of the year included stabilising Pitreavie and delivering performance improvements in distribution.

Net bank debt remained well within the group's £40m facility, the company said.

At 0917 BST, shares in Macfarlane Group were down 18.58% at 71p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.