Bathroom products maker Qualceram Shires has reported pre-tax profits of €3.9m for last year, following a loss of €5.1m in 2005. Last year's results included exceptional costs of €6m linked to restructuring.
Turnover was up 6.4% to €102m, while earnings per share were 15.72 cent. No dividend will be paid.
Chief executive John O'Loughlin said the year saw a marked improvement in profits and turnover in its key markets, despite 'challenging and competitive' conditions.
A breakdown showed that turnover in Ireland rose from €42.6m to €45m, while UK sales were up from €47.5m to €50.3m.
Qualceram says that although new house building in Ireland is set to decline this year, it should benefit from the spending of SSIA money on home improvements.
The company is currently working on plans to sell its Arklow site and re-locate to another site in the area.
