A Bradford company has announced a 41 per cent increase in its annual turnover after making two major acquisitions.

Belgravium Technologies, designers and manufacturers of real-time data capture systems for the logistics industry, saw its turnover rise to £5,430,000 in 2005 from £3,859,000 in 2004.

Belgravium, which employs 38 people at its headquarters at Listerhills Science Park, Bradford, also saw its preliminary pre-tax profits up 31 per cent to £982,000 in 2005.

The acquisitions of Touchstar Technologies, in Manchester, and Novo IVC, in Warwickshire, have enhanced the group's earnings and potential to expand into new markets.

The AIM-listed company specialises in mobile computers, which range from hand-held devices to vehicle-mounted equipment. Its clients use the computers in conjunction with communications technology to monitor the progress of products from the warehouse, through the transport system until they are delivered.

The company also completed its biggest ever contract in 2005 worth £750,000 to supply proof-of-delivery systems for Bradford company Grattan.

Executive chairman John Kembery said: "It's been a very good year, with a solid performance, and we are delighted to have made these acquisitions.

"We are looking forward to quite considerable improvements in the earnings of the group because we expect them to be profitable companies.

"We have been threatening to do it for a number of years, but we wanted to make sure it was the right move. Clearly shareholders agreed, the share placement in relation to the acquisition of Touchstar being over-subscribed and the EGM endorsing the proposal unequivocally."

Mr Kembery said all three companies had made a good start in co-operation on matters of finance, sales and technology.

Touchstar deals in the petrochemical market, particularly in the United States, Europe and Australia.

Novo ICT provides sale systems, including hand-held devices used by air hostesses to issue receipts to passengers who have bought items on planes.

Belgravium, which has maintained its dividend policy, aims to develop more products this year to enhance its reputation as a substantial hardware producer. The company's headquarters include a technical department, sales team, marketing department and accountancy office.