Aga Rangemaster reported pre-tax profits of £16.4 million for the first half year to June 30 against a loss during the same period last year of £2.4m.

Revenues for the half year were five per cent up on year earlier figures to reach £123.4m.

“2010 is proving encouraging with Rangemaster driving improved profit performance even though consumers remain cautious,” said chief executive William McGrath.

“Rangemaster’s export growth, product innovation and the breadth of its range of appliances are providing a stimulus and we look to it, alongside Aga, to trigger the operational gearing we have in place and we expect this to drive longer term earnings momentum,” Mr McGrath said.

The company pointed out that while cooker volumes in the UK were flat, average selling prices were up with a shift to higher specification products and a broadening of model ranges.

It added that hoods and fridges were among sections of its wider product range that did well.