COOKLEY-based industrial wheels manufacturer, Titan Europe, has revealed its turnover for the first three months of the year as £34,115 - £7,200 more than the same period last year.

Sales increased by 27 per cent during the first quarter, compared with the same period in 2003. Operating profits rose by 79 per cent.

Chief executive Mike Akers said: "Trading during the first quarter of 2005 continued the buoyant trend experienced during 2004.

"The outlook for the remainder of the year is also encouraging.

"Titan Europe's main challenge continues to be rising input costs, in particular steel costs, where we anticipate moderate increases during 2005. We will continue to work with our customers to manage this situation." Based in Kidderminster, Titan produces big wheels for the construction and agricultural markets. It employs 1,200 in the UK, France, Germany, Australia and India and makes around 4,000 wheels a day.

Among Titan's customers are the agricultural, construction and mining industries including Caterpillar, AGCO, Volvo, John Deere, Renault and Landini.