The Israeli wide-format printer manufacturer outlined its expectation for the year as it announced its first quarter 2004 figures.

Operating income was 169,000 ($300,000) compared to an operating loss of 621,000 in 2003. Sales were up 8% to 10.4m.

"This quarter marks the first quarter of operation after completion of the operational changes initiated in 2003," said chief financial officer David Seligman. "With the charges and inventory write-offs recorded last year and the cost associated with those changes behind us, we are on track to move forward with our plans and strategy."

The firm has recently announced a range of new products including the world's first 5m-wide UV-cured machine the Expedio and new versions of its Fresco roll fed and Tempo flatbed machines.

"Since the beginning of the year there has been a heightened interest in our product line, which has already translated into increased sales," said president and chief executive David Amir.

For the full year Nur expects sales to be up 23% to 45m, with profits in the region of 1.1m-1.4m, compared to a loss of 2m last year.