Construction supply and hardware chain S.A.L. has had a buoyant first half of the year, with net income increasing 9.7 percent to $1,324,345 ($4.96 per share) from $1,206,871 ($4.33 per share) in 2000.

In the six months to the end of August, 2001, sales rose 8.6 percent to $9.45 million from $8.7 million in 2000.

In his report to shareholders, SAL president John R. Berg, said the increase in revenue was primarily due to sales that were generated by the manufacturing division.