Pre-tax profit at Irish building materials group Kingspan rose 33.7% to £83.4m after strong sales at its European operations.

Operating profit increased 31% to £88m and sales grew 16.5% to £675.9m for the six months to 30 June. Operating margins increased 1.5 points to 13%.

The company said sales in western and eastern Europe were particularly strong growing 26% and 50% respectively.

Gene Murtagh, chief executive, said: “Results for the first six months represent a tremendous outcome for the group.

“Our products continue to gain share against traditional alternatives, bolstered by the increasing awareness of the advantages of sustainable energy construction.”