WORKERS at a famous Bolton factory have helped turn around their company's fortunes.

Booth Industries, based in Nelson Street, turned in a profit last year after making a loss the previous year.

And they helped their parent group increase overall sales. Roy Jordan, chairman of parent company Booth Industries Group, said the Bolton business, which is a world leader in designing and manufacturing specialist doors, had achieved "extremely satisfactory results" after a busy year.

Overall group sales for the financial year ended September 30, 2002 were £54.8million, up from £31.6m the previous year, although operating profits fell to £603,000 from £676,000.

Mr Jordan praised the efforts of employees.

"I must compliment all of our employees for their support and commitment throughout this year," he said.

"Their success in accommodating the changes that have taken place, and in meeting the demands placed upon them by our much higher activity levels, is greatly appreciated."

Mr Jordan also said that the group order book for the start of the new financial year was satisfactory but added that the company remained sensitive about the impact on global and domestic economies of a major conflict in the Middle East.