Haulotte sales boosted by US market

Sales for Haulotte in the first half of 2012 - to 30 June 2012 - increased 25% compared to the same period in 2011.

The company reported that, "The global market for powered access platforms continues to be boosted by the growth in the US market in the first half of 2012. In this context, Haulotte Group increased revenue by 25% up to € 184.5 million against € 148.0 million in H1 2011."

Haulotte's equipment sales rose 30%, with significant growth in South America and Asia Pacific. North America also had a good first half with 34% growth. Service activity increased by only 3%, because of slower growth in the sale of spare parts (5%).

The company said, "The Rental business continues to increase with the development of Latin America and improvement in our fleet utilisation rates in Northern Europe."

The increase in volume and the rise in production levels, improved Haulotte's operating income to 3% of sales. The company said that the improvement in profitability of the service and rental business also had an impact.

Costs relating to the closure of the Spanish plant and the transfer of production to the French sites amounted to € 4.4 million. Fixed costs increased by 5% in relation to the business development in high-growth areas.

Haulotte reported that, "Despite a slowdown in the growth of the global market due to persistent macroeconomic uncertainties, we expect the second half to be comparable to H1 2012. This will enable us to achieve a positive operating income for the full year."