THE computer company Gateway 2000 has reported a 80 per cent increase in after tax profits to which employs just over 1,000 people at its European headquarters via Dublin, said that turnover had increased by 36 per cent from

Gateway said that during its fourth quarter post tax profits increased from

The three month period to the end of the year was Gateway's first billion dollar quarter in its 10 year history.

The good fourth quarter results reflected the seasonally strong demand for computer products.

However, this was offset by relatively weaker US government demand due to the budget dispute, according to Gateway.

Sales from the Dublin plant and the company's Asia/Pacific operation rose to strong demand for Gateway Solo, the company said.

Gateway's gross margins increased to 18 per cent in the last quarter due to a favourable product mix, and operating efficiencies at its plants in Dublin and the US.