Sales of JCB construction toys and Zanussi role-play items have helped HTI, the U.K.'s largest privately-owned toy designer and manufacturer, to report a 20 percent increase in sales over the last six months.
The business posted revenues of £42.4 million (2009: £35.2 million) in the half year, ending Sept. 30. HTI reports the increasingly global reach and appeal of brands like JCB had helped the group achieve "excellent growth in key international markets." More than 25 percent of its sales are generated from non-U.K. markets, with products now sold in more than 70 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australasia and the Americas.
HTI also confirmed Mark Walls (previously HTI's sales director) has been appointed U.K. managing director and Mary Wood as director of marketing.