UPDATE 1-Norcros posts H1 loss; to raise 30 mln stg in placing

* Pretax H1 loss 1.7 mln stg vs profit of 3.8 mln stg last yr

* Revenue 83 mln stg vs 78.6 mln stg last yr

* Reduces headcount by 20 pct

* To place 4.3 mln shares at 7 pence apiece

* Placing at a discount of 14 pct to Wednesday's close (Adds details)

Nov 12 (Reuters) - British shower and tile maker Norcros Plc (NXR.L) posted a first-half pretax loss, reduced its headcount by 20 percent, and said it would raise gross proceeds of about 30 million pounds through placing.

The company said it would place about 4.3 million shares at 7 pence apiece, a 14 percent discount to the stock's Wednesday closing price.

Norcros will use the net proceeds to repay debt.

The company, which has been cutting costs since March 31, said it expected to generate annual savings of 5 million pounds. Employee headcount has been reduced by about 350, it said.