RPC (Rushden / UK; www.rpc-group.com) expects its first-half margins and profitability levels to be ahead of management expectations, and forecasts revenues to be “well ahead” of the same period ending 30 September 2016. Profitability levels, both including and excluding one-off items, would be significantly higher year-on-year due to acquisitions, organic growth, lower one-off costs and a positive currency impact that helped offset a modest polymer headwind, the company said.

China achieved “good growth,” benefiting from investments made there. Integrating Letica (Rochester Hills, Michigan / USA; www.letica.com) into RPC was proceeding “well” while the realisation of cost synergies and the costs of achieving these synergies were in line with expectations after the US packaging manufacturer was bought in spring 2017 (see Plasteurope.com of 16.03.2017). RPC says its financial position remains strong, with good cash flow development and significant headroom under its debt facilities. CEO Pim Vervaat said RPC's trading performance was "encouraging."