COOKER manufacturer Glen Dimplex Home Appliances (GDHA) is planning to invest for growth as sales remained stable in the downturn.

Accounts filed at Companies House reveal the Prescot company posted turnover of £131.4m for the year to March 2011 – down just 1% on 2010.

The previous year, sales fell by just 0.4%. But the company was hit hard by the recession in 2009 and early 2009, with sales for the year to March 2009 down almost a fifth on the year before.

GDHA produces cookers, ranges and ovens under the Stoves, Belling and New World brands. It is part of the Irish Glen Dimplex group.

Pre-tax profits for the year to last March fell from £7m to £3m – partly explained by a £3.5m write-off in the value of one of its companies.

The directors’ report said: “It is the intention of the directors to continue to develop the principal activities of the company and to identify areas with further growth potential, particularly the enlarged refrigeration division.

“The company is engaged in ongoing research and development work in order to improve its product range and to increase its market share.”