BPB profits jump leap 25%

British plasterboard maker, BPB, has seen pre-tax profits in 2002 leap by 25% thanks mainly to strong markets in the United States.

The manufacturer of ceiling tiles and insulation materials, said today (Thursday) that low interest rates in America had resulted in a house-building and rebuilding boom.

Although UK profits stood at an impressive £191.6m in the year ended 31 March, underlying profits in Europe dipped by 1% after restructuring charges and higher costs, including pension expenses.