The sales turnover was Rs 37.61 for this quarter from Rs 35.87 crore up 4.8 per cent. Interest costs have come down to Rs 1.82 crore from Rs 2 crore. Gross profit after interest but before depreciation and taxation was Rs 4.38 crore up from Rs 3.84 crore. Depreciation remained the same at Rs 3.30 crore. The paid-up equity is Rs 11.25 crore.

SPB made a net profit of Rs 3.26 crore for the year ended March 1999, but the current year prospects seem to be much better, according to company sources. A good product mix, quality improvement, cost reduction in process and a price increase has contributed to an improved bottom line. The company which makes printing and writing paper using bagasse has increased the price of its products by Rs 500 a tonne. ``This has been absorbed by the market and we are hopeful that better times are ahead,''he said. The company will be expanding capacity to 115,000 tonnes from the current 60,000 tonnes by January 2000. It will then introduce surface sized paper, light weight coated paper and high bright computer stationery, all high value products.