Bathroom suites manufacturer Qualceram Shires announced an increase in half-year operating profit of 86 per cent to €4.1 million and said sales through the summer had been robust.
The company also restored an interim dividend set at 2 cents per share.
Profit before tax for the first six months improved to €3.01 million against €3.0 million in 2003 when the group benefited from an exceptional gain of €2.7 million.
Mr John O'Loughlin, chief executive of Qualceram, said the company made steady progress in the first half of 2004 as restructuring measures had a positive impact on trading.
He described the performance as "satisfactory" given that it was achieved in the face of price competition across all markets.
The restored dividend will be paid on February 28th, 2005, to shareholders on the register on February 4th, 2005.