Builders suppliers, Heiton posted a rise in pre-tax profit for the first half to €11.6 million from €10.3 million a year earlier and gave an upbeat assessment for 2003.
Operating profit rose 16 per cent to €14.3 million in the six months to October and the group raised its interim dividend by 6.9 per cent to 6.2 cents a share.
"On foot of the performance in the first two months of the second half, we remain positive about the outlook for the group," Heiton said.
It added: "The performance of the construction industry in Ireland in 2003 is expected to be more subdued than in recent years. However, house building, a section to which the group is particularly exposed, is expected to remain buoyant for the remainder of our financial year."