Ruthmann's sales hold up in 2009

German truck-mount specialist Ruthmann has announced a €50 million turnover in 2009 - very similar to the company's 2008 results.

Ruthmann had expected lower sales resulting from reduced export demand, Mr Winkelmann, said, "We are proud of this achievement, which we attribute primarily to our domestic customers.

"This success during difficult times indicates that our product range and customer groups [consisting of rental companies, municipalities, power electric companies, tradesmen and utility companies] are perfectly attuned to one another. Optimum customer service in sales and after sales enabled domestic turnover to increase dramatically, offsetting the decline in exports."

Ruthmann says it is taking advantage of the current weakness in foreign demand by reorganizing its export structure.

Mr. Buss said, "Through our efficient, new sales and service partners and Ruthmann's own initiatives, we intend to increase short and medium-term foreign demand by offering the same customer service that we provide to our primary market here in Germany."

Ruthmann remains cautiously optimistic about 2010: it has high expectations for the new TB-Generation with which the company hopes to reinforce and expand its current turnover level. The TB 270 will make its world debut at Bauma 2010 in April.