Aga fired up by business success

Microsoft mogul Bill Gates is said to be the proud owner of an Aga

The kitchen equipment group Aga has set a new target of selling 15,000 cookers a year by 2006.

It followed a "landmark" year for the Birmingham-based firm, as sales of the company's prestigious cookers topped 10,000 for the first time in 2003.

Aga Foodservice Group also has a home furnishings businesses, including its chain of 55 Fired Earth stores.

Aga's pre-tax profits rose 5.3% to £35.9m and turnover reached nearly £400m in the 12 months to 31 December.

The company said expectations of higher sales have been boosted by growing demand for its ovens, which were invented in 1922 by a Swedish Nobel prize-winning physicist.

Jamie Oliver

Aga, which has plants in Ketley and Coalbrookdale in Shropshire, said its results for 2003 were "satisfactory".

But growth in the UK was partly offset by a weak US performance, with losses of £500,000 at its Domain Home Fashions outlets in the year.

Chief executive William McGrath said: "2004 will be an exciting year for the group as the work of the past three years, on new products and on the routes to market, drives top line growth."

Aga's new ranges include refrigeration products introduced from the US such as wine fridges and ice makers.

The group has also rolled out a new range of electric Aga products and the Infinity Fryer, which uses less oil.

Aga is reported to boast several famous customers, including the world's richest man Bill Gates, Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts and TV chef Jamie Oliver.