Avon Protection PLC (LSE:AVON), a provider of protective equipment to the military and emergency services, said an order for 380,000 pairs of M61 filters worth US$15.1mln has been placed by the US Department of Defense.
Delivery of the filters, which provide protection from chemical and biological agents, is anticipated to begin "early" in the new financial year, which starts next month.
A trading update from the company indicated overall performance for the year will be "at least in line" with market expectations, excluding the failed body armour business that is being closed down.
Back in May's half-year results, Avon said trading had improved in the second half of the financial year to end-September 2022, having warned in April that full-year underlying earnings will be lower than previously expected.
The company today noted a "modest improvement in mix" in its respiratory portfolio and the start of body armour deliveries, which has partially offset the negative headwinds encountered in the first half.
Additionally, cost-cutting activities are progressing as expected, the company said.
Following Paul McDonald's decision to step down as chief executive at the end of this month, as announced in May, the company said it is making progress on the search for his successor.
Shares of the company jumped 7% to 792.89p in early trades.