Business

Mainfreight expects record $1.6b revenue

07:32 am on 29 July 2011

Mainfreight is expecting revenues to top $1.9 billion in the next financial year, up from $1.3 billion this year.

Managing director Don Braid told company's annual meeting in Auckland on Thursday that the record amount includes the newly acquired Dutch freight firm Wim Bosman but excludes improving returns from existing businesses in Australasia, China and the US.

Mr Braid says 77% percent of the global freight logistics company's revenues now come from outside New Zealand, and Wim Bosman gives Mainfreight a crucial entry to Europe.

Mr Braid paid tribute to retiring directors Don Rowlands and Neil Graham, while hitting out at criticism that its board members were too old.

The six remaining board members will be getting more for their services this year, after Mainfreight chairman Bruce Plested moved to increase remuneration by $120,000 to $680,000.

Mainfreight shares rose 20 cents, or almost 2%, to $10.35 on Thursday. The company is one of the stock exchange's top performers.