Half year results posted.

Pilkington has released its interim results for the half year to 30 September 2000. Turnover in the first half was 1.36 billion [pounds sterling] and continuing businesses reported an increase in underlying volumes of 4%. Operating profits before exceptional items were 139 million [pounds sterling],

Building products sales including joint ventures and associates were 686 million [pounds sterling], up by 6% and operating profits increased by 27% to 103 million [pounds sterling], against 81 [pounds sterling] million in 1999. Sales volumes in the European Building Products business increased by 4% and operating profits rose by over 50%. Demand for float glass and processed glass products was strong throughout the period and glass prices strengthened substantially. All float glass plants ran at full capacity. Although the cost of energy rose during the period, the strong business performance absorbed the impact.

Automotive products sales, including associates and joint ventures, were 668 million [pounds sterling], an increase of 5%. Operating profits rose by 18% to 45 million. In Europe, which accounts for 45% of the group's worldwide automotive glass sales, profits increased by over 20%.