Better outlook lifts Weir

British engineering group Weir showed a significant improvement to its order book today on the back of new products and a stronger economic outlook.

The Glasgow-based group, which has an 8,000-strong workforce mainly making valves and pumps, said order input increased by 25.4% to £451.6m (€671.2m) in the six months to June 30.

Pre-tax profits rose by 4.2% to £25.5m (€37.9m) and Weir said stronger performances at three of its divisions – engineering services, minerals and a large-scale projects arm – meant it was hopeful of a strong second half.

Chairman Sir Robert Smith said: “The year to date performance has been shaped by the successful delivery of our sales and marketing initiatives across the entire portfolio of our businesses.”

Weir, which was founded in 1871, includes BP, Shell and mining groups Anglo American and BHP Billiton among its customers. There are operations around the UK, including at Manchester, Huddersfield and Bristol.

It carries out work worldwide and is currently involved in water treatment and power-based projects in Iraq.