Rolls Royce 'strong' in 2008

Figures from the group reveal that sales in the first half of the year increased to reach £4,049 million, while pre-tax profits stand at £389 million and its order book has swelled to £53.5 billion.

The report highlights recent achievements by the firm, such as the launch of the BR725, which is the exclusive engine for Gulfstream's new G650 corporate jet, and the Trent XWB engine, which is used in the Airbus A350 XWB.

[…] Rolls Royce has pursued a consistent strategy which has created a global power systems company with a broad and diverse portfolio […]

Sir John Rose

Chief Executive

Rolls Royce

Also noted is Roll Royce's commitment to research and development, with the group investing £222 million in this activity - of which, around two-thirds is used to improve the environmental performance of the company's products.

Sir John Rose, Rolls Royce Chief Executive, commented: "Over the last decade, Rolls Royce has pursued a consistent strategy which has created a global power systems company with a broad and diverse portfolio of products and services.

In related news, the firm recently announced that it secured orders of around £4.6 billion during the Farnborough Airshow.