A supplier and designer of ventilation and air-conditioning systems for the nuclear, oil and gas industries has reported glowing profits in its “most successful year”.

Wozair, based in Gillingham, said falls in the price of oil had not yet affected clients on rigs, naval vessels, nuclear facilities and pharmaceutical plants which rely on its products.

Pre-tax profits grew to nearly £4 million last year, up from £2.7 million, while turnover reached £35.2 million, up from £32.2 million, according to its latest accounts.

This year, the company has celebrated the 20th anniversary of its formation through a management buyout, growing from 15 staff with an annual turnover of £1.6 million to an international business with regional offices in Singapore, Houston, Dubai, Busan and Brisbane, employing 163 staff.

“Despite the recent fall in oil price there continues to be strong market activity with major long-term projects in many locations around the world..." - Simon Collins, Wozair

Exports to the Far East are its biggest source of income, with revenues of £23.3 million. UK turnover was a blip for the firm, dropping to £4.9 million from £9.4 million in 2013.

Last year the group bought the long lease on its 6.55-acre headquarters in Gillingham, with 83,000sq ft of manufacturing and office space.

The site has undergone a £1.5 million upgrade this year. The company also invested £500,000 in a new laser machine and other machinery.

This has been paid for with the help of a £1 million interest free loan from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, handed out by the north Kent-focused TIGER scheme.

It also bought its US premises in Houston.

Joint-owner Simon Collins said: “2014 has been another big year for Wozair and we’ve had our most successful year (again).

“During the year the group continued to focus on its core business areas – specialist ventilation equipment to the on and offshore oil and gas, UK nuclear and marine industries.

“The group continued to market its products and services on a worldwide bases through its network of overseas regional offices, as well as participation in various home and overseas trade shows.

“Despite the recent fall in oil price there continues to be strong market activity with major long-term projects in many locations around the world.

“This has enabled the group to secure some major oil and gas projects that provides a strong order book of £33 million.”