STOCK WATCH

SURFACE coating firm Hardide rallied after a £597,000 order to coat components from General Electric.

The company provides tungsten coating for metals which come in contact with corrosive or hazardous chemicals.

The order replicates a previous contract between the two firms. Last month the firm secured a seven-year supply agreement with American paint spraying firm Graco worth £3.1m.

Yesterday, shares rose 7.7pc, or 0.12p, to 1.75p.