Filtronic, the Shipley-based wireless communications company is looking forward to growth, in spite of suffering heavy falls in half-year revenues and profits.

It said a deal with a major new customer would boost its prospects and shipments would start in its next financial year.

The company, which designs and manufactures microwave electronics products for the wireless telecoms infrastructure market, saw revenues from continuing operations fall to £9.6m for the half year to November 30, 2009, against £18.3m the previous year. Revenues were £10.5m over the second half of last year.

Pre-tax profits slumped from £2.4m to £100,000.

Chairman Howard Ford said: “The board expects the reduced demand levels, which have prevailed since late 2008, to continue through the remainder of the financial year until a recovery in telecoms infrastructure expenditure materialises.

“The completion of last year’s measures to reduce overhead and other costs, as well as further actions implemented by the board this year, have allowed the group to deliver break-even profit and positive cash performance in the first half.

“Expenditure on core technology and new product development has been maintained to enhance competitiveness and to position the business for growth.”