MEGGITT plc, which employs more than 200 at its sites in Blackburn, has announced a 25 per cent profits leap.

The company, whose interests range from bullet proof vests to aeroplane components, made £18.3 million before tax last year on an increased turnover of £358 million.

The firm, based in Dorset, operates fuel management firm Meggitt Petroleum and artificial rubber specialist Silicone Engineering in Blackburn. Last year Meggitt Petroleum struck a £2.5 million deal with supermarket giants Tesco for credit card terminals which are attached to pumps at petrol stations.

"Meggitt was completely restructured in 1995 and we now have a group of highly focused businesses with clear potential for growth," said group chief executive Mike Stacey.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.