M & R off to good start

Construction company Murray and Roberts had a good start to the current year with net profit for the first half increasing by 516 percent from $270 million to $1.7 billion.

And it says though the business environment is not expected to improve, all its operations are likely to record good results as it will focus its expansion on exports.

According to its interim results for the period ending December, the company says sales increased by 262 percent from $2.7 billion to $9.7 billion.

Bonnezim had an outstanding six months with record agricultural yields and factory production levels. It is now looking at developing and producing products for new markets.

Zimbabwe Tomato Drying Company achieved satisfactory profitability despite having initial problems in accessing the market.

The two agricultural divisions are now aiming to expand their export markets, including the first world markets which have significant margins.

The company’s manufacturing divisions recorded substantial increases in turnover and profits. They also recorded reasonable growths in exports.

The contracting division has maintained a high level of activity with its order book sufficiently secure for the remainder of the year.

The company has invested in several short-term projects to ensure continued high level of activity. It has also secured some work in the region.

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