Qualceram Shires said its first-half operating profit rose marginally even though sales were hurt by increasing interest rates and a slowdown in the Irish housing market.
However, the bathroom products manufacturer said trading for the period was satisfactory and broadly in line with market expectations.
For the six months ending in June, operating profit rose to €2.4 million from €2.2 million last year as operating expenses fell 4 per cent to €13.7 million.
Turnover came in at €50.08 million compared to €52.06 million a year earlier as sales in Ireland declined 11 per cent to €20.8 million. The United Kingdom saw a marginal increase to €25.9 million against €25.8 million last year.
Sales in exports markets increased to €3.3 million from €2.8 million earlier.
