Hartalega pre-tax profit rises to RM202m

Hartalega Holdings Bhd has registered a profit after tax of RM201.6 million for the financial year ended March 31, 2012 compared to profit after tax of RM190.3 million posted last year.

Revenue rose to RM931.08 million from RM734.9 million, the company said in a statement here today.

The synthetic glove manufacturer said the substantial growth was a result of its continuous drive towards expanding production capacities, enhancing operating efficiencies via technology as well as an increase in demand.

For the fourth quarter, the Group recorded a profit after tax of RM50.06 million on the back of revenue of RM240.2 million.

Moving forward, the company expects the year ahead to be a good one, as demand for nitrile gloves will grow by at least 20 per cent.

To meet the increasing appetite for nitrile gloves, the company has commenced construction of Plant 6 and is targeting to have its first production line in operation by August 2012.

It will also commission nine more lines by the middle of next year, the company said, adding even with the new capacity coming online, demand for nitrile gloves will not abate but will grow exponentially over the years as the efficacy and nature of this type of glove bodes well with users in the healthcare sector. -- Bernama