The group said its interim results, due on 25 November, would be significantly ahead of expectations. The news caused shares to come close to their 52-week high of 315p. As PrintWeek went to press the price had slipped to 298.5p.

Head of corporate affairs Mark Fearon said the Iraqi contract was a large order, and that it is testament to the companys ability to schedule it very well.

The jobs initial deadline was mid-October, but production will continue until the end of its financial year next March. City analysts have said the work will account for 8m of the 48m profits that the firm is anticipating.