A MELKSHAM company which specialises in the production of rubber has announced a steep increase in revenue and profit.

Avon Rubber, which designs and creates rubber products for the defence and dairy sectors, including respiratory products, has seen revenue and underlying profit rise by 22 per cent and 21 per cent in the last six months.

Revenue grew 22 per cent from £66.3m to £81.1m. Underlying operating profit grew 21 per cent from £9m to £10.9m.

The company, based in Hampton Park, is thrilled with its recent performance and executives say it will be unaffected by Brexit.

Clair Kidd-Stanton, investor relations executive, said: “Brexit should have less of an impact on us compared to other companies as we have the ability to manufacture in and ship from the US and continental Europe, as well as having strong markets outside of Europe.”

Paul McDonald, chief executive officer, said: "The group has performed well in improved market conditions and I am delighted to present a good set of results which confirm the progress the group had made over the last six months."

On Tuesday, Michelle Donelan, prospective Conservative MP for Chippenham, visited the company to meet employees and learn more about the products that it is investing research and development into.

She said: "Avon Rubber is a key local employer and their strong half year figures are great news for Melksham.

“Seeing local people make products that are some of the best in the world really highlights what hub of engineering and manufacturing Wiltshire is."

Mrs Donelan will be standing against Liberal Democrat Helen Belcher and Andy Newman from the Labour Party for the Chippenham seat at the general election on June 8.