He told the gathering that a section of the lending institution is to be built on land currently in the company’s possession but was previously used as a Kiddies Corner, located at Main and Kent Streets. The Children’s Play Park is presently adjoining the Qik Serv restaurant, across from its former location.
On the occasion, a new fleet of trucks, including a propane operated forklift, which is expected to boost operations locally, was on display.
Matthews reported that, while the company made a profit of $3.672 billion, the New Amsterdam Qik Serv contributed significantly with $90M in sales, an increase of 30 percent over the previous year’s intake.
Records revealed that export sales through the Berbice County generated $22M in revenue and the local operations were able to sell in excess of 1.4 million units last year, exceeding the target set by the Board of Directors. That figure represented 14 percent more than 2011.
Total sales earned an income of $2.46 billion, which is 17 percent higher than the year before.
Matthews boasted: “Despite the increase of numerous restaurants in the town of New Amsterdam, our sales continue to increase.”
He said, as a consequence of their improved sales, the New Amsterdam Qik Serv was presented with the Chairman’s Award, which is the highest reward for outstanding and quality service to a restaurant operated by the company.
Also addressing the hundreds of shareholders gathered at the New Amsterdam New Street premises, Chairman of the Board, Mr. Clifford Reis mentioned that the company’s operations are manned by modern and state-of-the-art technology.
In an overview of the company’s performance, he noted that Banks DIH made an after tax profit of $2.555 billion.
Reis said: “It took Banks DIH approximately fifty-five years to accomplish $1 billion in profits. However, in the last three years, our company has moved its profits from one billion to 2.5 billion. It shows the commitment of this company to all concerned, employees, customers and shareholders.”
Profits to the shareholders were $2.8 billion, as compared to $2.3 billion the previous year.
“The company will continue to advertise and will not allow complacency to step in. This is the only way your company will continue to grow and ensure that you can get the kind of dividend that you are accustomed to,” Reis assured.
He said the company will continue to strive for excellence in the line of products as well as giving customers value for their money.
Reis observed that the sales from products locally and those exported had also risen when compared to the past years.
He said this is an indication that prudent spending and efficiency were achieved in practically every aspect of the company.
Of the banking institution project, Reis told shareholders that construction is expected to last between 15 and 18 months, after which a mobile banking facility will be available.
In a customary gesture, two additional learning institutions, the Fort Ordinance Primary and Rosignol Secondary schools were beneficiaries of financial assistance to improve education delivery.