NEW DELHI: Tractor major Escorts Ltd has announced a 40 per cent increase in profit after tax to Rs 30.80 crore during the firs t quarter ended June from Rs 22.02 crore in the corresponding quarter of 1998-99. Gross sales and business income for the quarter stood at Rs 364.76 crore as against Rs 281.63 crore previously. Other income rose to Rs 8.50 crore from Rs 7 crore. The company's interest burden came down to Rs 8.27 crore from Rs 9.52 crore. Gross profit after interest but before depreciation and tax increased to Rs 47.30 crore from Rs 38.02 crore.

Artson Engg

MUMBAI: Artson Engineering Limited has been awarded the prestigious ISO 9001 Certification. The ISO certificate has been awarded by NQA Quality Systems Registrar Ltd for establishing the Quality System covering design/engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of - petroleum, oil and gas process and storage systems, balance of power plants for diesel engines, thermal and gas turbines basedunits and utility systems such as compressed air, cooling water, hot oil and fuel for industrial units.

TWA aircraft

MUMBAI: Transworld Airlines (TWA) has marked the first visit of a Boeing 717 to St. Louis with a ceremonial signing that commemorates the order for upto 100 Boeing 717 - the first of which will be delivered in February 2000. ``This is a milestone in the rebuilding of TWA. These aircraft will serve our customers well unto the 21st century,'' said TWA President.