The figure is a marked increase on sales of £23.8m for the first half of 2010 and the £30.9m recorded in the latter half of last year.

Xaar reported stronger than expected sales of its Platform 3 printheads but intends to increase production capacity as it expands its Huntingdon facility, creating new jobs in the process.

The company plans to "ramp up" capacity during the end of 2011 and the first half of 2012. However demand for its Platform 1 products were below expectations, despite recent stability.

Xaar's balance sheet shows net cash at £20.6m, just under the £22m recorded for the second half of last year.

The company will announce its full results for the six month period on 18 August 2011. It also intends to pay an interim dividend.