DEVELOPMENT IN THE BUSINESS AREAS
Components
Net sales in Components increased in the second quarter by 31 percent to SEK 679 million (520) and EBITA increased by 59 percent to SEK 70 million (44). Net sales during the period increased by 26 percent to SEK 1,386 million (1,101) and EBITA increased by 50 percent to SEK 137 million (91).
Market
Nordic manufacturing companies increased their demand for production components during the quarter. Sales increased substantially and the good development of the market situation was evident in most major customer segments, such as machine manufacturers, special vehicles, energy and electronics. Increased sales in combination with completed acquisitions have resulted in strong earnings growth and very good development of the operating margin.
Energy
Net sales in Energy increased in the second quarter by 7 percent to SEK 471 million (439) and EBITA increased by 6 percent to SEK 60 million (57). Net sales during the period increased by 6 percent to SEK 937 million (881) and EBITA increased by 1 percent to SEK 115 million (114).
Market
Demand for infrastructure products for the primary and regional grids in the Nordic region remained at a high level. Competition in this market has increased and our focus is to maintain sales at a good level and concentrate on business that provides a good operating margin. The business situation for niche products in the area of power distribution continued to be stable and demand for electrical installation products was at a high level. Sales of cable products to the manufacturing and wind power industries continued to increase.
Industrial Process
Net sales in Industrial Process increased in the second quarter by 6 percent to SEK 402 million (380) and EBITA increased by 18 percent to SEK 39 million (33). Net sales during the period increased by 7 percent to SEK 806 million (751) and EBITA increased by 12 percent to SEK 72 million (64).
Market
Demand increased slightly in a number of customer segments within the Nordic production and process industry. The business situation continued to be good in customer segments such as sawmill industry, paper & pulp and machine manufacturers. Increased requirements regarding the measurement and treatment of emissions have begun to increase demand from, for example, the market for shipping. The business situation for our operations outside the Nordic region was still good, especially in customer segments such as vehicles and energy. Selective efficiency measures will continue to be implemented to increase profitability.
Power Solutions
Net sales in Power Solutions increased in the second quarter by 7 percent to SEK 343 million (322) and EBITA amounted to SEK 47 million (48). Net sales during the period increased by 8 percent to SEK 747 million (690) and EBITA increased by 4 percent to SEK 98 million (94).
Market
Overall, demand continued to be high, even in comparison with a very strong quarter in the previous year. Sales of control and ergonomics products to the special vehicle industry continued to increase. The demand for battery solutions was stable in most customer segments, while sales of power supply solutions to customers in, for example, the telecom and wind power industries, decreased slightly.