Revenues and profits rise for owner of Triton showers and H&R Johnson tiles and adhesives.
Shower equipment and tile manufacturer Norcros has said strong sales in the replacement market helped it post a 49% rise in interim pre-tax profits to £6.1m (2006: £4.1m).

Norcros owns shower maker Triton and wall and floor tiles maker H&R Johnson as well as operations in South Africa.

The Wilmslow-based group said UK revenues rose 3.7% to £53.5m (2006:51.6m) with trading profits up 7.8% to £6.9m (2006: £6.4m).

At Triton, the company reported UK revenues growth of 6.5%.

H&R Johnson increased UK revenues by 8.4%, reflecting, it said, strong growth in the diy market and good progress with trade customers.

Trading since the end of September has been in line with expectations, with the company confident of further growth.

Group turnover for the year to March 31, 2007 was £163m and trading profits were £15.3m. Sales grew from £159m in 2006, and £148m in 2005 - trading profits were £15.3m and £13.1m respectively.

Norcos employs around 2,000 people worldwide. In July this year it floated on the London Stock Exchange.