Q1 volumes up 6% at Victrex

HIGH-tech plastics manufacturer Victrex is upbeat after recording strong first quarter sales growth.

The Lancashire firm, which is holding its annual general meeting today, said sales volumes were up by 6% to 679 tonnes in the first three months of its financial year.

The second quarter has also “started well” with around 330 tonnes sold in January, “ahead of the softer comparative in the prior year”.

The business, based at Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire, has two divisions: Victrex Polymer Solutions, which focuses on transport, industrial and the electronics market; and Invibio Biomaterials which supplies medical device manufacturers.

Chairman Anita Frew said: “We have made an encouraging start to 2014, with first quarter performance ahead of the prior year and continuing our momentum from the second half of 2013. Although it remains early in our new financial year and our expectations are unchanged, we remain encouraged by the potential across our business.”