FILTRATION business Domnick Hunter is to start testing its chemical defence technology in the US in the hope of securing new business.

The group, from Birtley, near Gateshead, said testing of the technology was about to start in the US as a prelude to hopefully securing business with its military.

The group's nuclear biological chemical (NBC) protection systems are aimed at protecting people from nuclear or biological attack - uses for the technology include protecting a driver in a tank from chemical warfare.

It said there was a heightened interest in the project, particularly as a result of the anthrax attacks in the US.

The group has already received an order for its NBC systems from UK defence group Vickers, announced last June and worth £3.6m.

Brian Thompson, chairman of Domnick Hunter, said the increased interest in NBC, particularly with regard to protection against biological and chemical attack, gave the group "further reassurance in their sales potential".

The comments came as the group, which also makes filters and dryers for compressed air and gases, saw pre-tax profits in the year to December 31, rise by 1.4 per cent to £9.2m, while turnover rose by 1.4 per cent to £120m.

Mr Thompson said: "2001 was a successful year for the group in which record turnover and operating profit were achieved despite difficult market conditions."

The total dividend to shareholders is 8.9p, up 2.9 per cent on 2000