Elektron (LON:EKT) saw its shares jump by 10% to 22p on news today that pre-tax profits for the half year to July are expected to be significantly ahead of management’s previous expectations. The AIM quoted technology company, whose Arcolectric, Bulgin and Sifam brands make switches, meters and industrial connectors, said it continued to be cautious about the second half because of global economic events. However, it said its order book remained strong and was now set to perform better than management's previous expectations for the current year. Elektron expects to release its interim results on 16 September 2010.

Elsewhere, FTSE Smallcap XP Power Ltd (LON:XPP) saw its shares rise by 9% to 630p on news that trading in the second quarter had been strong as its market share continued to gather pace. Group revenues in the three months to 30 June 2010 grew by 35% over the same period in 2009 with gains across all market sectors in North America, Europe and Asia. In constant currency the growth rate was 36%. Revenues for the six months ended 30 June 2010 grew by 23% over the same period in 2009. In constant currency the growth rate was 28%. XP, which makes critical power control components for the electronics industry, said its evolution to an own brand/own manufactured business model was driving a significant improvement in performance, as control over the manufacturing process delivers both higher margins and more rapid customer response times. The company buoyed investors with a forecast that the rate of growth in revenue should accelerate in the second half as existing programs ramp up and further new customer programmes enter production.

Finally, Cinpart Plc (LON:CINP), the group that makes electrical components primarily for gas appliance manufacturers, has made further progress towards setting up an assembly plant and distribution arm in the US. Following the signing last month of a memorandum of understanding with County Executives of America, the company has signed similar agreements with the Summit County, Ohio, the Summit County Port Authority and Northeast Ohio Trade and Economic Consortium. The move is part of an effort by Cinpart to establish a US based operation in order to service the expected demand for voltage optimisation products made by its Active Energy subsidiary. The company has identified a suitable location at the Foreign-Trade Zone 181 in…

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