An Irish brick firm has reported a sales figure surge, following the building boom in the country.

Outhaus - previously known as Country Manor Brick - has recorded sales of around €75m. The firm, who operates in the UK and Ireland, has experienced expansion in both markets, and now employs 275 people.

The company estimates it supplies up to 80 million bricks a year to residential and commercial developments. Marketing Director Pat Kelly said Outhaus, who was behind the Luas stops in Dublin, had been "very much involved in major projects".

However, the self-styled "market leader in bricks" has had to diversify into other areas, which include the paving and tiles markets.

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In 2006 the company acquired west of Ireland tile wholesaler Martin Gilroy Tiling, in a deal worth €18.7 million, and Mr Kelly has hinted Outhaus may consider other takeovers.

The firm, which has showrooms in Dublin and Wicklow, said the expansion into the UK has driven revenues "close to €75 million", with individual contracts netting "up to a couple of million" [euro].

Mr Kelly noted the construction industry slowdown, but explained how large projects are booked months in advance and often run for a number of years.

Outhaus plans to expand its current operations to incorporate anything that encompasses the home, such as bathrooms, patios and landscaping.

Mr Kelly said product development may also be driven by the increasing demand for environmentally-friendly homes. This could even result in the firm producing a plastic range of bricks, according to the Marketing Director: "There are other opportunities - it's endless."

Recent Outhaus financial reports show a 60% increase for the year ending April 2007, with turnover up to €50.2 million from €31.9 million the previous year.

The firm made an operating profit of €3.5 million, up from €2.4 million.

The owner and Chairman of the company, Ken O'Sullivan, started the business in his garden shed in 1980.

(PR/JM)