HUDDERSFIELD building products firm Marshalls has paved the way for further growth by boosting sales in 2006.

The Birkby-based supplier of stone and concrete landscaping products lifted revenues by 5% to £378m last year - up from £359m in 2005.

Businesses bought by Marshalls during the year contributed £9m to total revenues.

Sales to the public sector and commercial market - which represent about half of Marshalls' sales - were up by 5%.

They included Marshalls products supplied for major city centre regeneration schemes across the UK.

Sales to the DIY market and builders' merchant were flat.

Chief executive Graham Holden said the total sales performance was "robust" as the company forecast profits in line with earlier forecasts.

Last year, Marshalls announced three takeovers to add new products , including "street furniture" such as shelters and covered walkways as well as surface drainage systems.

The company secured sponsorship of the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show for three years starting from 2007.

It also opened three new specialist centres selling stone and concrete landscaping products for the garden.

Mr Holden said: "We are pleased to be announcing a robust sales performance given the flat building materials market.

"We are benefiting from our continuing investment in inspirational design, innovative products and expert installation of hard landscaping products."