July 18 -- Shanghai Zhezhong Construction (002346), a maker of PHC piles, a major material used in the construction of ports and bridges, posted a 68.98 percent year-on-year increase in first half 2011 net profit to 24.85 million yuan, with earnings per share of 0.18 yuan, reports p5w.net, citing a company filing.

Sales revenue rose 118.46 percent year-on-year to 211 million yuan.

The company predicts net profit for the first three quarters to hit 30 million yuan, an increase of between 50 percent and 80 percent.

According to Zhezhong Construction, the rise in net profit was due to the increase in the production and sale of tubular piles.