A RECYCLED packaging company, which saved more than 100 North-East jobs in a factory sale, has revealed strong financial results.

DS Smith, which sold its Darlington plant to corrugated cardboard firm Cepac in January, says revenues have increased 25 per cent to £2.08bn for the half-year to October 31, with pre-tax profits rising by more than 50 per cent to £85m.

The company sold the former SCA Branded Packaging factory, on Faverdale Industrial Estate, under competition rules.

Miles Roberts, DS Smith Group chief executive, said: “We are encouraged by these strong results and continue to expect further good progress over the remainder of the year, despite ongoing challenging market conditions.”