Shares of Macclesfield-based engineering and thermal processing giant Bodycote rose about 4% on Wednesday after it released a trading update covering the four-month period to October 31, 2019.

Group revenue for the period was £244.7m, 1% higher than last year.

“Bodycote’s performance in the period reflected a continuation of the trends of the first half, with civil aerospace revenues growing strongly; and the automotive and general industrial market sectors remaining soft,” said Bodycote.

“Cost control initiatives remain a priority, with a particular focus on the areas of our operations where we are seeing revenue weakness. 

“Consequently, margins and underlying cash generation remain strong.

“Overall, Bodycote’s board is confident that the group’s full year result will be in line with current market expectations.”