Polyester fibre manufacturer Wellman International lost €5.1 million before tax last year.

This represented an increase of 20 per cent on the €4.3 million losses it recorded in 2007.

Figures filed by the manufacturer with the Companies’ Registration Office show that turnover grew by 2 per cent in 2008 to €101.4 million from €99.7 million the previous year. The company specialises in recyclable fibres. The main markets for its products are in Europe.