RISING demand for environmentally-sound products helped chemical and technology group Johnson Matthey report a 25 per cent rise in full-year profits.

The company said the pace of growth had encouraged it to announce plans for a new manufacturing plant, near Swindon, Wiltshire.

Johnson Matthey makes a range of products, including chemicals for batteries, flavours and fragrances, as well as providing coatings, cataly-tic converters and fuel cells.

Finance director John Sheldrick said it was likely to employ about 100 staff and it was hoped it would be operational by next year.

Sales at Johnson Matthey soared in the 12 months to March 31, from £3.9bn to £5.9bn. Final pre-tax profits, before one-off gains, were £180.3m, up from £143.8m the year before.