AN Irish building supplies conglomerate has praised two Bolton companies that have helped it to stack up a record half-year profit.

Grafton, the Irish builders' merchant and fourth largest operation of its kind in the UK, announced that sales were up by 42 per cent to nearly £900 million for the six months to June 30.

Operating profits increased by by 37 per cent, to £65.1 million, while profit before tax was up by 28 per cent to £59 million.

In January this year, Grafton bought the Heiton Group, owners of Farnworth-based builders' suppliers Cooper Clarke for £226 million.

In September last year, the company also acquired Castle Builders' Merchants of Little Lever.

Announcing the results, Grafton chairman Michael Chadwick said the contribution from both businesses meant that turnover in the UK accounted for 61 per cent of the groups increased turnover - and nearly half of its profit.

He said: "The strong increase in first half profits and earnings reflects a first time contribution from Heitons and Cooper Clarke, which traded ahead of pre-acquisition expectations.

"It was an excellent performance by the Bolton merchanting businesses in a softening market. The Group remains confident of continued growth in profits in 2005."

Castle Builders Merchants, of Radcliffe Road, Little Lever, was formed by Nick Howcroft in 1984 and now has a second site in Crewe.

The company capitalised on the market for bricks by holding 300 different lines, as opposed to many builders merchants which carry about 30.

Using six lorries, Castle moves more than 500 tons of building material through its gates every day.

Grafton Group divisional director Stephen Thompstone said: "The figures are clear.

"We are delighted that Castle Builders Merchants has joined the Grafton Group and we are looking forward to continuing working with them in the future as part of our expansion plans in the North-west."