Readymix said it is confident of future market conditions in the Irish economy.
It said the strength of the industrial, commercial and infrastructural developments taking place throughout the country are clear to see, while the residential market is expected to resume growth as the year progresses.
It added that there is a growing confidence in Northern Ireland and the level of activity is expected to be satisfactory in that market.
"Demand for our products is also expected to increase in the Isle of Man in the current year, with positive forecasts for housing and Government funded projects on the island," it said.
Readymix reported results for 2000 today with further increases in sales, profits and earnings per share.
It said the key factors were positive economic and market conditions in the Republic where it also benefited from the rationalisation and reorganisation of its businesses.
The first full year inclusion of the Finlay business produced an "excellent" contribution, the company said.
Readymix also continued its strategy of acquiring "bolt-on" acquisitions andof new product development throughout the year, while disposing of some elements of the business which were viewed as non-core activities.
Pre-tax profit for the year grew 17.1 per cent to euro 25.4 million on turnover up 25.3 per cent to euro 229 million. Earnings per share were 19.55 cents.
The board recommended a final dividend of 3.987 cents, up 16 per cent on the 1999 final and after an interim payout of 1.371 cents.
AFP