Pazardzhik-based battery maker Elhim Iskra sees its pre-tax profit falling to BGN 100 000 in the first quarter versus BGN 1.1 million in the respective period last year. Moreover, sales are seen shrinking by 57% in the first quarter to BGN 4.3 million, mainly on low demand in view of the global financial crisis, said the company. Elhim Iskra plans to invest BGN 1 million on new machinery and optimization of the production process by the end of the year.