Allied operations have almost doubled orders at Chemring.

Chemring, the leading specialist decoy manufacturer for the global defence, security and safety markets, has reported record six-month orders – boosted by allied operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The international company said its order book has almost doubled – up 45% to £425m. Sales increased 41% to £150.2m whilst pre-tax profits rose 17% to £23.6m.

Chemring reported strong performances in both its energetics and countermeasures divisions. Energetics revenues and profits were up 64% and 44% respectively, against a 21% sales lift in countermeasures.

Focusing on future growth, the company said it has conditionally acquired ammunitions group Martin Electronics, as well as securing new five-year contracts for Alloy Surfaces and Kilgore Flares.

Ken Scobie, Chemring Group Chairman, commented on the results: “The prospects for both of our divisions remain excellent. The Group order book has now grown to a record level of £425m, up 45% compared with this time last year. 36% of the current order book is for delivery in the second half of the year.

“Historically, our full year revenue has been split 40/60% between the two halves and, given the status of our order book, the Board is confident that this trend is likely to be repeated.”

Chemring also reported a 39% increase in half-year dividend per share – up from 7.2p to 10p.

For more information, visit www.chemring.co.uk

By Natasha Piscitelli