Krones sales growth points to health of beverage sector
manufacturers, Krones managed to increase its sales by 12.1 per
cent in the first half of 2006.
The increase points to continuing health in the beverage sector. Krones also reported a "striking" rise in order bookings, which grew by 12.4 per cent in the year's first half, to reach €941.9m.
Krones, one of the world's leading suppliers of filling and packing machinery, is riding on the back of continued growth in the beverage market.
The company achieved a sales growth of almost €100m in the first half of 2006, to reach €920.4m, a 12.1 per cent increase compared to the same period last year on a like-for-like basis.
Orders on hand as of 30 June amounted to about €712.1m , similar to the first quarter level and 6.9 per cent higher than the year earlier.
The company attributed its growth, despite what it said was an ongoing trade war, to its successful entry into the process technology market, continued success in aseptic filling and an expansion of its services to the beverage sector.
Pretax earnings of €60.2m are up by 13.2 per cent on the same period last year, producing a profit margin of about 6.5 per cent. Profit after taxes, at €38.1m, rose by 5.2 per cent, the company reported.
Revenues in Europe account for 54 per cent of the company's sales. The company makes 87 per cent of sales outside Germany, where its headquarters is based.
