Pre-tax profits have grown by more than £20 million and turnover has risen by £30 million at Zodiac Seats UK (www.zodiacaerospace.com), following an increased level of sales and “continued improvements in commercial practices”.

As a result, the directors have recommended a £25 million final dividend, after not paying one a year ago.

The company, which designs and manufactures seating and cabin furniture for the first-class and business-class sections of aircraft, employs about 1,200 people at its base in Cwmbran.

Zodiac Seats UK can trace its history back to 1933, when it was founded as LA Rumbold. It merged with Contour in 1997 and was sold to Zodiac Aerospace in December 2011.

The company won new business “regularly” in the last year and has experienced “growth in new markets”; it is continuing to invest in R&D “to strengthen its product portfolio”.

A statement said: “The increase in our operating profitability arose from an increased level of sales and continued improvements in commercial practices, stronger engineering and operational processes, including cost-reduction activities in purchasing.

“The company is continuing to take the necessary actions to ensure that it remains well-placed to continue strong growth and financial performance in the aerospace market.”