Pilkington has issued a statement ahead of its interim results announcement. Paolo Scaroni, chief executive, said that the year had started well. "The step change restructuring programme implemented over the last three years, together with growth in sales, continues to deliver strong underlying improvements in Group profitability. We expect this year's results to reflect that success." In Europe the Group's building products businesses are performing strongly. Prices are firm everywhere and although energy costs have risen, results in the first half will be significantly ahead of 1999. Demand for float glass has been running at a high level and glass prices have strengthened markedly in the period. All float glass plants have been running at full capacity and supply is relatively tight in certain markets and products.
