Electronics designer and supplier CML Microsystems Plc saw flat sales in the year to March 31 due to declining demand for its analogue cellular kit and older Private Mobile Radio lines matched with rising interest in newer PMR and radio products, resulting in pre-tax profits up 0.3% to UKP4.3m, on turnover up 9.7% to UKP315.7m. Business picked up in the second half with strong contributions from Mx-Com Inc, the Winston-Salem, North Carolina semiconductor subsidiary, and Microsense Systems Ltd, the Southampton traffic systems firm bought four years ago, while core company, Witham, Essex-based semiconductor firm Consumer Microcircuits Ltd held its own. But three year old start-up business Radio Data Technology had a disappointing year, said chairman George Gurry, and it was scaled down ready to be restarted this year. CML has launched a series of high speed data modems for wireless communications, which will unfold over the next 18 months, and is currently building a 50,000 square foot factory at Maldon, Essex, whose unspecified cost will be spread over two years. Gurry said an acquisition, probably in the familiar electronics field, is on the cards. Cash reserves stand at UKP14.5m net of borrowings, against UKP11.8m last time. He said earnings will be down this year as, despite anticipated growth in the UK and US, continental Europe remains difficult.
