Strong demand from smartphone makers and car companies for protective casings and wireless solutions, respectively, drove underlying operating profit at Laird (LRD) up a fifth to about $47m (£30m).
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Despite lower spending among mobile operators, the group posted a 12 per cent rise in first-half sales of performance materials. The division also reduced its reliance on consumer electronics, winning work in both the healthcare and food and beverage markets. Revenue climbed 15 per cent in the wireless systems segment, partly due to new contracts with several global automotive companies.