The firm hopes increased orders for its hi-tech blinds will boost profits in 2012/13.

Levolux was a bright spot in a cautious trading statement to the City today as the UK building products division showed a small increase in turnover despite the subdued market.

Alumasc said margins remain under pressure in a “highly competitive market place” as input cost inflation continues.

Divisional profits are lower than this time last year but “management initiatives continue to seek to improve margins wherever possible.”

The group’s order books have increased since the last year end from around £44m to £46m.

Alumasc said: “Whilst we remain cautious with regard to the external economic environment, we have not seen evidence of a slow down in our own order intake or enquiry levels more generally.”