The Dublin-based provider of computer input and display technology is rapidly seeking a share placing 'as soon as possible'. In the year to June Rapid Technology turned in a pre-tax loss of IR£1.5m (IR£2m). This was due to an increase in stock levels, which was necessary to sustain the growing turnover - up by 222% to IR£780,000 (IR£243,000). As the demand for products - POS keyboards, OEM units and ScreenKey components - increased, the group used IR£1.7m of its overdraft to pay for it. The stock held at the year-end cost IR£1.2m (IR£280,000). Despite the cost reduction programme - whereby contract manufacturing is now relocated to the Far East - the gross margin increasing to 39% (32%), and licence fees up by 171% to IR£295,000 (IR£110,000), it is now incumbent upon the company to turn this turnover into profits.