Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment in value. Depreciation is initially calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the particular asset. As a result of the complexity of our manufacturing process, there is a wide range of plant and equipment in operation.
Freehold land is not depreciated.
Reviews are made annually of the estimated remaining lives and residual values of individual productive assets, taking account of commercial and technological obsolescence as well as normal wear and tear.
For any individual asset the carrying value is reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. If any such indication exists and where the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amount, the asset is written-down to its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of property, plant and equipment is the greater of the fair value less costs of disposal and the value in use. In assessing the value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For an asset that does not generate largely independent cash inflows, the recoverable amount is determined for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. Impairment losses are recognized in the consolidated income statement as part of the profit or loss on operations before taxation.
An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognized upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying value of the item) is included in the consolidated income statement in the year the item is derecognized.
Maintenance costs in relation to an item of property, plant and equipment are expensed as incurred.
