Trading at Maxi Haulage was “very satisfactory” last year, as the Scottish firm continued to invest in its fleet and reduce costs.

Turnover for the group’s haulage division was up 6% at £42.8m (2010/11: £40.3m), its results for the year ended 30 September 2012

Pre-tax profit at the Scottish haulier fell 30% to £1.4m, down from £2m in 2010/11 due to “cost inflation and price pressure”.

Pre-tax profit at parent company Maxi Caledonian, which incorporates its construction industry arm, slipped by nearly 50% to £1.7m from £3.3m in the previous year, after what the company described as “very depressed market conditions”. Group turnover increased to £50m from £47.7m.

Maxi Caledonian chairman Gerry Atkinson said: “The group has significant cash reserves and a strong balance sheet. This coupled with a trained motivated and dedicated work force, with a very strong management team backed by excellent financial controls, risk management and IT, and with a programme of continued profitable expansion make for a very positive future outlook.”