Robinson warned that its profit would fall short of hopes this year, after demand weakened in the second half, its busiest period.
The group’s operating profit fell to £0.9m from £2.0m in the first half, and it appears there will be no bounce back in the second half.
The packaging manufacturer said it now expects underlying operating profit of between £1.2m and £1.6m for 2026, as orders came in below expectations in its Paperbox and UK Plastics businesses.
Shares fell 6% in early trading on Friday.
Revenue is still expected to rise 6% to around £59m, though sales volumes will be slightly lower. It blamed a lack of new business and softer orders from key customers, a customer’s production breakdown, and weaker demand for some seasonal products due to warmer weather, while higher energy costs — linked to the Middle East conflict added further pressure.
The company said it was reviewing cost-cutting opportunities and strengthening its sales efforts, and expected profitability next year to match this year’s before any such measures.
It added that sales of surplus property had generated £1.5m of cash so far this year, with further disposals expected to benefit its reported profit.