Oxford Instruments sales improve

Oxford Instruments, a high technology tools and systems for industry and research, said it has made an encouraging start to the year with orders, sales and profits all ahead of the same period last year.The group said sales growth for the period from 1 April 2012 to date was fuelled by both an organic and reported basis."Our markets remain strong despite continued economic uncertainty, particularly in Europe. A healthy pipeline of new product introductions is in place and we are investing across the business to increase efficiency, strengthen our market positions and drive further profitable growth," Oxford Instruments said in a company statement. As a result, the Board expects it will continue to make good progress in line with company expectations for the financial year and consistent with its objectives.Oxford added that there has been no significant change in the financial position of the group. Shares of Oxford Instruments fell 7.00p or 0.54% to 1,285.00p in early London trading.CJ Oxford Instruments