Dublin-listed tool maker Oglesby & Butler has reported a pre-tax loss of €500,000 for the six months to the end of September, compared with a loss of €28,000 a year earlier.
This was despite a rise in revenue from just under €2.2m to €2.3m, though this was affected by currency movements. O&B said higher costs for manufacturing, promotion and the launch of a new vaporiser product ate into profits.
The company said the indications were that the new product would make 'a significant contribution' to profits. But it said trading conditions remained extremely difficult, and the board was reviewing all aspects of the business. As a result, no interim dividend will be paid.
