Gateway 2000, the personal computer manufacturer which employs 1,600 people in Dublin, has reported a 12 per cent rise in pre-tax profits to $75.9 million (£53.8 million) in the first three months of 1998. Company sales increased by 22 per cent from $1.4 billion to $1.7 billion while profit margins improved from 18.7 per cent to 19.5 per cent.