SALISBURY-based Halyard (Marine and Industrial), top manufacturer of silencer and noise reduction systems for the marine industry, has scored a massive 16 per cent increase in business.

This increases the company's turnover to £2.6m, its highest ever in 21 years of trading. The 2001 year-end results continue the company's growth trend, which has seen sales growth of 16 per cent annually for the past three years.

Managing director James Grazebrook said: "Continuing 20 per cent export growth has combined with a strong home market to give us three excellent years." He attributes the company's expansion to a huge effort in export markets and an ability to adapt to a changing order book.

He added: "Halyard's ability to design exhaust systems for larger and larger engines has enlarged our market considerably. Major overseas superyacht builders have adopted our water separation technology for generators, and we have increased our penetration among European production yards. Our major UK customers have also had exceptionally strong sales"

It has meant Halyard has been able to increase its work-force. The company now employs 43 people at its head office and distribution centre at Whaddon Business Park, Alderbury, and at its manufacturing plant in Portsmouth.

A registered ISO 9001 company, it has worldwide sales, service and support.

Its technical department is dedicated to designing bespoke exhaust systems, marine engine insulation, and vibration control.

Customers include powerboat and yacht designers, builders and naval architects as well as commercial operators and private owners who require advice and assistance re-fitting boats.