Kingspan confident in robust market conditions

Kingspan shareholders have been given an upbeat assessment about the company's prospects in 2004.

Chairman Eugene Murtagh said that due to 'robust market conditions' sales in the first four months of 2004 are ahead of the corresponding period in 2003 at the builders providers group.

Murtagh told shareholders today:"The Group is confident that the continued growth in sales of all its principal products in its main geographical markets should put operating profits and earnings per share comfortably ahead of 2003, in line with market expectations."

The chairman went on to say that the ongoing capital expenditure program in the British, Irish and Central European markets should underpin future growth.

Murtagh was speaking at the annual general meeting this morning.