SETON Healthcare, owners of the Cupal site in Blackburn, has announced a 52 per cent rise in profits.

The Oldham-based group, which manufactures products including Diocalm, Ralgex and Asilone, saw sales rise by 38 per cent to £84 million in the year to March with pre-tax profits up to £16 million.

"This has been another outstanding and exciting year for the group and the management team look forward to the year ahead with confidence," said chairman Norman Stoller.

And Mr Stoller praised the efforts and dedication of the group's management and employees.

"Barry Stephenson, site operations director at Blackburn, has a very good team there and a highly motivated workforce."

The firm invested almost £5 million at its sites including an upgrading programme at the Blackburn factory, which employs more than 80, and spent £51 million on a number of acquisitions during the year.

Seton bought family owned Cupal in November 1992. Shareholders will receive an increased final dividend of 5.5p a share.

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