The interest burden stood at Rs 17.71 crore against Rs 17.75 crore in the corresponding period last year. Depreciation was lower at Rs 10.15 crore against Rs 10.45 crore.

During the nine-month period, the net profit doubled to Rs 29.77 crore from 14.27 crore while the total turnover improved to Rs 763.99 crore from Rs 712.18 crore, a company release said. Net sales rose by 27.23 per cent to Rs 253.51 crore against Rs 199.25 crore last year, according to the unaudited results released here on Monday. The gross profit after interest but before depreciation, voluntary retirement compensation and taxation amounted to Rs 26.98 crore against Rs 14.71 crore last year.