Kingspan, the building products group, continues to record strong growth, with a 13 per cent rise in pre-tax profit to €31.4 million (£24.7 million) in the six months to June 30th, 2000.

Shareholders will benefit with a 45 per cent rise in the interim dividend per share to 1.35 cents, outstripping the 15 per cent growth in basic earnings per share to 14.4 cents. The shares rose 10 cents to €3.10 following publication of the results.

Kingspan said it continued with its growth strategy during the first six months. This included the development and growth of strong, high-value building product brands, seeking significant market positions in growth markets and growth products, automation, and the provision of services in excess of expectations and acquisitions.

Executive chairman, Mr Eugene Murtagh, said the group was continuing to seek a quality US business. This was still at the research stage.

Investment in acquisitions, plant and market development over the past two years "provides the platform for continued growth", he said. "Order levels are high and this augurs well for a satisfactory performance to year end."

The latest results show a 35 per cent rise in turnover to €325 million. Gearing fell from 72 per cent to 69 per cent.

Gross margins increased from 30.2 per cent in the second half of 1999 to 30.5 per cent.