Navan Carpets has announced a 15.3 per cent increase in sales to £12.8 million in 1997. Most of this growth is attributed to exports to the US, which grew by 76.4 per cent to £4.15 million. Pre-tax profit rose by 20 per cent to £500,000. Following a management buy-out in 1995, the company is 81 per cent owned by management and some employees. The remaining 19 per cent is controlled by Coats Viyella.

The £1.2 million investment made by the company in technology and systems over the past two years has enabled it to "become a world player in the design and manufacture of customised axminister carpet", according to managing director, Mr John Ryan. Navan employs 245 people, up from 225 at the time of the buy-out.