High performance polymer manufacturer Victrex (Thornton Cleveleys / UK; www.victrex.com) has said in a trading update that the second quarter of its financial year, ended 31 March, was well ahead of expectations and continued growth momentum experienced in the first fiscal quarter.

Sales volumes in the first half of the year reached 1,584 t, a 14% year-on-year increase in the softer first half a year earlier, but with a slightly less favourable mix, the company said. First half performance in both of the company’s businesses, Victrex Polymer Solutions (VPS) and Invibio Biomaterial Solutions, reflected broad-based growth across the company’s strategic markets, it added.

In Invibio, revenue for the first half year of GBP 26.9m (EUR 32.6m) reflected a steady recovery in the spine market and compared favourably to the first half in 2013, which saw revenues of GBP 24.2m and was characterised by destocking.

Looking forward, Victrex said that, while first half growth was particularly strong, it is aware that the second half will be difficult compared to the same period in 2013 and that currency effects are now expected to have a more adverse impact during the current year and particularly into the next financial year.

Victrex will report its interim results on 20 May 2014.