Irish merchant the Heiton Group plc recorded a 29% growth in pre-tax profits for the half year ended October 31, 2003, with timber business benefiting from a strong repair, maintenance and improvement market.
The company said timber sales were up by about 4%, the same amount as overall group turnover.
Heiton‘s core merchanting arm, comprising 21 outlets across Ireland, performed well with the popularity of attic conversions and extensions boosting timber sales.
Eddie Kelly, managing director of the builders merchants division, said the growth in new housing to 67,000 units last year had helped increase business.
The growth of timber frame housing has also boosted business through the sale of plywood, OSB and some components.
Mr Kelly said new flooring showrooms had been opened at outlets, offering a range of hardwood and redwood floors, while the range of internal and external doors has also been extended.
He said: “Demand is still very strong in housing. There is greater use of softwoods and the door and flooring businesses have been very good.”
However, the company’s specialist hardwood operation had experienced tougher conditions. A cooling off in the commercial market has meant less high-class hardwood joinery for office and boardroom end uses but the operation was selling more into the furniture industry.
Heiton’s Panelling Centre business, which sells kitchen worktops, doors and cabinets to the trade and public, was also boosted by RMI work.
