Wellington, Feb 18 NZPA - Dry cleaner Taylors Group has reported a 51.9 percent increase in interim profit on a 2.75 percent increase in revenue.

The $1.755 million profit in the six months to December 31 is up from $1.156m in the same period last year.

The company is paying a 6c a share dividend on March 27.

Sales revenue for the period increased by $1m to $35.3m.

The company has been reviewing prices and seeking longer term contracts so it can maintain revenue levels as the economy slows. It has big clients in the airport and accommodation sectors.

It has also been improving the productivity and flexibility of its plants to adapt to customer demand.

This was evident over the Christmas period when the company's biggest plant closed for the Christmas Day holiday for the first time.