Birmingham-based engineering group Hill & Smith has posted record revenues and profits - benefiting from government red tape and climate change opportunities.

Underlying profit before tax in the year to December 31 was up by 77.8 per cent to £32.9 million from £18.5 million in 2006.

Profit before taxation increased by 87.3 per cent to £32.4 million.

Revenues jumped by almost a third to £402 million from £306 million.

Chief executive Derek Muir, emphasising the underlying strength of the business and markets, said: "Government commitment to maintain and improve an ageing infrastructure, increasing legislation, health and safety and regulatory requirements, along with the effects of climate change, combine to offer exciting opportunities in global infrastructure markets.

"We will continue to develop our presence and products to benefit from such opportunities."

The group operates across the infrastructure products, galvanizing services and building and construction products sectors.

Products range from highway safety barriers, street lighting on roads and electronic information for road signs, through to pipe supports for the liquid natural gas market and structures and components for electricity sub stations.

The group, last week named Company of the Year in the PLC awards, reported continued strong organic growth and market demand.

It said "some targeted acquisitions" were under evaluation.

During the period it increased its holding in galvanising group Zinkinvent - which has major European and US operations - to 68.2 per cent.

Underlying earnings per share increased by 34.3 per cent to 27.8p.

The proposed final dividend has been set at 5.1p, up from 4.2p in 2006, making the total dividend 8.7p, an increase of over 20 per cent. Total dividends are covered 3.2 times by earnings.

Hill & Smith said the contribution from the infrastructure products division powered ahead in the year, having been fuelled by investment and product development.

An excellent contribution from the galvanizing division was driven by the increased stake in Zinkinvent and its strong trading results, together with the inclusion of the first full year of trading for Metnor Galvanizing - acquired in November 2006.

Chairman David Grove highlighted the impact of the firm's international expansion combined with continuing organic growth.

He said: "Our international expansion is not just about Zinkinvent. We have a very successful operation in Thailand, where our pipe supports business has received a sustained boost from the growing liquid natural gas market.

"We have a great foothold now in the huge US market where we are a leading galvanizer and where our other products include high quality structures and components for electricity substations. These are in demand to replace equipment. Our international investment is a major step forward for the group, enabling us to access new markets.

"Our strategy of investing in core business areas where we have a sound market positioning continues to pay off. The result has been strong organic growth. The current year has started well with strong demand from our core markets and the benefits arising from our growth strategy. I look forward to reporting another year of progress in 2008."

Mark Pegler has taken over as finance director following the retirement of Chris Burr.