CHEMICALS giant Johnson Matthey yesterday revealed a huge sales boost.

The company, which employs 300 at its Clitheroe base, reported revenue of £10billion in the year to March 31, up 27 per cent on 2010’s £7.8billion.

Meanwhile, underlying pre-tax profit, which strips out one-off items, rose 14 per cent to £261million.

After the figures, bosses said market conditions meant the company could look forward to the future with confidence.

Chief executive Neil Carson said: “Johnson Matthey is expected to make further good progress in 2011/12.

“We are confident that the combination of our existing strengths and the investments that we are making now will position the group well for longer term growth.”

A company statement said: “This year confidence in our markets is more robust and after our strong performance in 2010/11, the group is expected to make further good progress in the current year.”