A Bradford wheelie bin factory has played a key part in achieving record results for Greek-based waste management group Helesi.

The production plant in Bowling Back Lane, Bradford, operated at full stretch throughout 2007 as the group continued its global expansion and opened up new markets in Iran, Lithuania, Croatia and the Czech Republic.

The Bradford factory, which opened in 2004 and employs 20 people, produced 500,000 wheelie bins last year Among the factory's customers are 140 local authorities, including Bradford Council.

Helesi said it had achieved another record year due to continued demand throughout Europe.

Turnover increased by 42 per cent to 50 million euro (£39.9m) and pre-tax profits were up 38.5 per cent to seven million euro (£5.5m).

The company says it expects to see another strong year as it prepares to expand into Asia.

Chief executive Sakis Andrianopolous said the group had maintained a strategic focus throughout 2007 to increase manufacturing capacity and geographic reach.

He said: "In 2007 we made considerable progress towards achieving our twin objectives of becoming a global player in waste management products and a fully integrated provider of waste management services in the fast-growing markets of south east Europe."

Helesi said its management services division had a slow start to the year, but enjoyed a strong second half with a number of important contract wins. In November Helesi acquired Perivallontiki, a specialist supplier of vehicles to the waste management industry in Greece and Cyprus.

In 2008 the group said it expected to see the benefits of the acquisition and the completion of an investment programme which will increase production capacity.

Chairman Roger Parsons said: "The principal driver for our business continues to be growing government regulation worldwide of waste collection, management and recycling. We do not believe that this trend is likely to be seriously affected by any downturn in the global economy and we look forward to exploiting the exciting opportunities that this presents for the company.

"We have begun the 2008 financial year with a strong pipeline despite the uncertain overall economic outlook."