Shares in the environmentally friendly foam maker, which manufactures 'cross-linked polyolefin block foam', rose by 4p to 102.5p on its interim figures to 30 June. Pre-tax profits more than doubled to £2.1m (£1m), on sales boosted to £12.6m (£10.8m). These solid figures were achieved despite 'manufacturing inefficiencies' caused by a fire which struck its Croydon operations last October, destroying or damaging 70% of its stock and some 25% of its buildings. Thankfully its foam production capability was largely undamaged and the facility should be rebuilt by early 2002. Positives to emerge today included sales growth across all of its markets, with strong performances in continental Europe and North America. Continental European sales were lifted by 31%, mainly due to new customers gained through its alliance with Japanese chemicals venture Sekisui, which is now acting as Zotefoams' agent in the area. Zotefoams also completed its plant inWalton, Kentucky, 'confirming its commitment to the North American market'.

Zotefoams	LSE	£22.48m	59.50p	0.00p
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