An international trader of dried pulses and other edible crops has become a public limited company after a strong year.

Maviga, based in Yalding, added PLC to its name after operating profits reached $5.9 million (£3.9m) and its net assets increased 12.5% in the year to May 31.

The company, which recently extended its revolving credit facility with RBS from $20m to $27.5m (£18.4m), has promoted Kees Kempenaar to non-executive chairman, having been a non-executive director since 2013.

Mr Kempenaar has 35 years experience in the food industry, having previously worked for US multinational corporation Cargill and Singapore-based RCMA Group.

Maviga chief executive Marcus Coles said: “Converting Maviga into a public limited company gives the business the right structure for its future growth and development.”

Mr Kempenaar added: “These are exciting times for Maviga and I look forward to playing a greater role in shaping its future.”

The company, which was founded in 1994, was awarded with its third Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade last year.