Put the two together and what you get is the hope of a long and successful life for a Dundee factory that makes artificial grass.

Bonar Yarns and Fabrics, which employs close to 200 people, is proving to be a bright spot in a city manufacturing sector that has seen more than its share of setbacks lately.

The factory is part of the Low & Bonar group, which was long headquartered in the city until relocating to London a few years ago.

The group now has 20 plants in nine countries.

It recently announced its half-year financial results, showing a 50% rise in sales of its textiles and flooring to £213 million and a 60% rise in pre-tax profits to £12 million.

Chief executive Paul Forman said the market for the artificial grass was “buoyant”, thanks to continuing demand across Europe and north America for sports pitches and landscaping.

Artificial sports pitches have been around for many years, but the company has seen landscaping account for a growing slice of production of late.

“Water conservation in hot countries in the Middle East, Spain and the southern states of America is becoming increasingly important. Artificial grass is being used in landscaping rather than real grass, which is very consumptive of water and needs a lot of maintenance,” Mr Forman said.

Artificial grass has to be tough enough to cope with weather while still being “skin-friendly” and pleasant to look at.

Bonar says its products can even be used to surface children’s playgrounds.

Mr Forman said the company had been investing in the Dundee factory over the past year and employment levels had been stable for a while. Dundee continued to play a key role in the group’s operations.

Duncan Clegg, Low & Bonar chairman, said it was looking to expand and improve its profit margins. He said, “Our focus will remain on growing the business, both organically and through prudent acquisitions.”