Roof-tile maker eyes 10% growth

Diamond Roofing Tiles Plc aims to raise its revenue this year by 10% to 2.6 billion baht from 2.39 billion last year, according to Sathit Sudbanthad, deputy managing director for sales and marketing. ''Our products will be actively promoted through our 600 sales agents nationwide to meet our sales target,'' he said.

Business began to slow at the start of the year when compared to the same period last year. However, the company managed to expand its customer base and offered a variety of products. As a result, it expects to see revenue grow by 10% in the first quarter and gross margin maintained at 30% for the rest of the year.

The company will also realise revenue from subcontracting work at several construction projects this year. Among them will be 10 million baht each from the Ua-arthorn housing project at Klong 10, Pathum Thani, and a construction deal with Italian Thai Development Plc.

Mr Sathit said the company would also join Power Line Engineering Co to bid for two property projects in Dubai.

Its plant currently runs at full capacity, producing fibre-cement tiles, concrete tiles and siding boards. Recently, the company invested in new technology to produce siding board at a capacity of 45,000 tonnes per year, starting in the first quarter of this year.

Managing director Asanee Chanthong said the company posted a net profit of 314 million baht last year despite such negative factors as high fuel costs and interest rates. Sales last year totalled 2.39 billion baht, up 15% from 2005.

Shares of DRT closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 9.05 baht, up five satang.

Source: Bangkok Post
Wednesday February 28, 2007