THE parent company of technical textile and body armour maker J&D Wilkie has seen pre-tax profits almost double to £1.1 million in its most recent financial year.

Accounts just filed at Companies House for the privately owned J&D Wilkie (Holding Company) also show a rise in turnover from £17.2m to £19.5m in the 12 months to June 30, 2014.

Overseas revenue rose from £11.1m to £11.9m while the UK increased from £6.1m to £7.6m.

Directors said the Kirriemuir, Angus, business, which was formed in 1868 as a jute weaver, had achieved "acceptable" results in difficult trading conditions.

They said: "The group is continuing with a strong development programme and is optimistic for the future in many niche markets."

The group also has operations in England, China, Japan and India.

It supplies products to the UK Ministry of Defence ranging from tents and screening fabric through to bullet proof vests.

Among other products are industrial filters, medical curtains, oil absorbency pads, transit blankets and horse coats.

Average staff number rose from 274 to 281 with employee costs edging up from £3.34m to £3.48m.

Directors' remuneration fell from £499,571 to £416,478 with the highest paid seeing their pay package drop from £198,829 to £156,991.

According to its most recent annual return the business is majority owned by Robert Rowan.