CHEMICALS and materials group Johnson Matthey yesterday said it expected to see good growth in earnings for the year.

In a pre-close trading statement, the company, which employs 450 people in the region, said trading in the second half was in line with expectations.

It said its catalysts division, which has its UK headquarters in Billingham, near Stockton, had continued to perform well, helped by the growth of diesel emission control products in Europe.

The group said its environmental catalysts and technologies division was on track to achieve a ten per cent growth in profits in the second half, while its process catalysts and technologies division has also achieved good growth.

The company also said its pharmaceutical materials division and ceramics division are also expected to deliver good profit growth for the year.

Last month, Johnson Matthey announced the £40m acquisition of London-based Davy Process Technology, which has a research and development centre in Stockton.

The firm will announce its full-year results on June 1.