A key player in electric fence systems, milk flow meters, electronic scales and shearing equipment, Tru Test, has posted an unaudited net profit for the half year to September 30 of $1.97 million.

This was a $2 million turnaround on the $47,000 loss for the September 2007 half year for the unlisted company.

The agri-tech company's largest shareholder is Livestock Improvement (LIC), a farmer-owned livestock genetics company.

Contributions from the company's main product lines, electronic scales and electric fencing, grew 11 per cent, and overall sales for the six months to September rose 4 percent.

Earnings before interest, tax depreciation and amortisation (ebitda) from continuing operations increased 68 per cent to $5.1 million, compared to the ebitda for the 12 months to March 31 of $6.1 million.

Managing director Desmond Scott said Tru-Test now had the shareholder support to take advantage of volatile markets to reinforce its position as a leading agri-tech innovator.

It plans to add some product lines through acquisition, rather than organic growth.

"We are seeking growth in both North and South America, with a continued emphasis in Europe," said Mr Scott. Two thirds of its products are made in New Zealand and Australia for export to 70 countries.

The company's "lean manufacturing" programme introduced during 2006 was delivering significant productivity gains and lower overhead costs.

The results for the six months , and comparable prior results, excluded the now-sold subsidiary BrainZ Instruments