Avon Rubber plc (www.avon-rubber.com), the Melksham-based engineering group, has reported a rise in turnover and profits during the first half of its financial year, allowing it to increase its interim dividend by 30% (to 4.11p per ordinary share).

The group reported a pre-tax profit of £8.9 million in the six months to 31 March, up from £6.1 million a year ago. Revenues grew by 7% to £81.1 million.

Chief executive Paul McDonald, who took up the post in February, said: “The group has performed well in improved market conditions, and I am delighted to present a good set of results that confirm the progress the group has made over the last six months.

Pendower HallI am confident that the business is well positioned to deliver further growth and that there are additional opportunities to build a stronger business for the future.”

Avon Rubber designs, tests and manufactures specialist products at several sites in the USA and Europe. It mainly serves the defence and dairy industries.