Strong trading in its protection & defence division is expected to lift Wiltshire manufacturer Avon Rubber’s full-year profits higher than current market expectations, the group has told shareholders.
The boost has come from orders from the UK Government and customers in the Middle East, together with a high level of operational flexibility, which has allowed the Melksham-based group to deliver products at short notice.
Avon Rubber’s protection & defence division makes respirators and masks mainly for defence-related customers such as the Ministry of Defence and the US Army.
Trading at its dairy division, which produces rubber equipment for the dairy farming industry, has remained in line with market expectations in difficult trading conditions, the group said.
Chief Executive Peter Slabbert said: “This brings 2013 to a positive conclusion.”
He said a recently announced order for 52,000 C50s respirators and filters would allow the group to continue this positive momentum into 2014.
Full year results will be announced on November 20.
Avon Rubber’s shares are now trading at a record high of 550p on the back of recent strong trading figures.
