CHEMICALS and technology firm Johnson Matthey has reported a 22 per cent rise in annual pre-tax profits to £495.8 million for the year to the end of March.

The company, which has offices in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee and is fitting out a pharmaceutical manufacturing site in Annan, said it was boosted by demand for autocatalysts for motor vehicles thanks to tighter European emissions legislation.

On an underlying basis, pre-tax profits rose 15 per cent to £440.1 million.