THE boss of Heckmondwike-based machine tools and laser marking company 600 Group has resigned as chief executive after three years in the role.

Nigel Rogers has been succeeded by former non-executive chairman Paul Dupee who is nowbecomes executive chairman.

Mr Dupee paid tribute to Mr Rogers’ contribution in re-directing trading activities to improve efficiency and focus through the disposal of the company’s Polish and South African operations and selling surplus property assets in the UK.

Mr Rogers was also credited with establishing a new senior executive team to manage the business in the UK and United States who will now report to Mr Dupee.

600 Group expects to increase like-for-like revenues for the period to March 28 by three per cent, excluding the effect of the acquisition of US-based laser marking company TYKMA Inc in February.

Group pre-tax profits are expected to be more than £3 million compared with £2.48 million a year earlier, in line with expectations.

Mr Dupee said: “The board thanks Nigel for leading the company over last few years and his work in overcoming some of the legacy issues and re-directing the trading activities to achieve greater efficiencies and focus.“We now have a good position from which to expand into the areas where we can accelerate growth organically and by acquisition, particularly in the USA, and I’m looking forward to working with the team to make this happen.”

Group revenues are expected to be approximately five per cent ahead of prior year, or three per cent on a like-for-like basis The process of integration of TYKMA Inc., and Electrox Laser is progressing very well. All US sales and customer support activities are now managed under a unified structure from 1 April 2015, and plans for future product strategy are largely determined.

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