Haulotte Group Reports Record Sales

July 26, 2006 — The Haulotte Group, L'Horme, France, announced that its consolidated net sales for the first half of 2006 rose to a record €238.8 million ($301.6 million USD), 27% higher than the €188.7 million ($238.8 million USD) from the same period in 2005. European business generated 90% of this overall figure.

 

Equipment sales contributed to 84% of the growth, which is a 3% increase from the same period in 2005. The share of total consolidated sales for equipment rental, services, and financing each shed 1% when compared to the same period in 2005, falling to 11%, 4%, and 1%, respectively.

 

The Haulotte Group also confirmed its plans to expand production capacity in 2007 by rolling out operations at two new industrial sites: One in Spain's Cantabria region, focusing on product diversification, and another in Romania's Arges region to take advantage of Eastern Europe's emerging markets in the field of aerial work platforms. According to the company, these two projects will not significantly affect business and results in 2006.

 

Due to a more than 50% increase in order-taking at the end of June and upbeat prospects on all markets has prompted the Haulotte Group to revise its business forecasts upwards with an expected rise in revenues of 30% to 35% for 2006 • against the 20% to 25% previously announced • and to confirm net profit forecasts of at least 11% for FY 2006.