Unipart doubled its operating profit to £9.5 million in 2010, on sales up four per cent to £1.13bn.
Chief executive John Neill said: “Like many other companies, the last two years have been particularly challenging for our business, but 2010 has seen a return to growth.”
Some £8.9m of cash was generated of which £7 million was reinvested.
In February Homebase extended its contract with Unipart Logistics for 12 years, securing 200 jobs at Unipart’s Cowley site.
Asos also contracted Unipart to develop its fulfilment centre in Barnsley, creating 1,000 jobs. Unipart also opened a new returns operation in North America for ASOS.
The group’s technology logistics business had a contract win with Virgin Mobile as well as opening a dedicated repair centre for BSkyB.
Unipart continued to invest in the automotive sector, opening a third logistics facility in China this year and establishing new operations in South Korea and India.
Investment in Unipart’s UK automotive network, which distributes parts to the independent motor trade, national fast fit and roadside assistance customers, has resulted in year on year sales growth.
Unipart also won new business for its consulting arm, Unipart Expert Practices, and its manufacturing operations saw an increase in volumes during 2010, exceeding performance from before the economic recession, due to vehicle manufacturers returning to production.
The group’s international distribution and manufacturing arm, Unipart International, achieved its best overall performance for five years, achieving double digit sales growth in both its key German markets and in North America. Positive growth was also achieved across other European markets and the Gulf States.
