THE West Australian-based Fleetwood Corporation, manufacturers of the Coromal and Windsor range of caravans, is celebrating a 74 percent first-half leap in revenue.

And investors have welcomed news that the Perth company lifted its  operating profit during the period by 45 percent to $24.4 million and cranked up its interim fully franked dividend to 32 cents.

Revenue during the half year ending December 31, 2010, rose to $226.6 million.

Fleetwood revealed that income from recreational vehicles soared from $74 million in 2009 to $91.9 million last year, a 24.2 percent rise.

"Revenue and EBIT continued to benefit from improving market conditions during the period," the company, which also manufactures Camec RV accessories, said in a statement.

"Caravan production has increased. Outstanding sales orders remain a high levels.

"The division is implementing a number of business improvement initiatives focussing on production processes and technologies, new products and further development of supply sources in Asia."

Fleetwood's manufactured accommodation revenue rose 140 percent to $134.3 million last year.

"Revenue was significantly higher than the previous corresponding period driven by increased manufacturing activity for the resources sector in Western Australia, and a part-period contribution from BRB Modular, which was acquired on 10 August, 2010," the statement continued.

Referring to the future, it said the Queensland floods and Cyclone Yasi were not expected to have a "significant impact" on the group's earnings.

"The Recreational Vehicles Division is expected to continue to benefit from strong industry demand and the implementation of a number of business improvement initiatives.

"The Manufactured Accommodation Division is also expected to benefit from strong industry demand, particularly from the resources sector," it added.

The statement said Fleetwood continued searching for "new avenues" of growth which could include acquisition opportunities.

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