Haulotte Group generated fourth quarter 2012 consolidated sales of €94.5 million (about U.S. $127.2 million) a 15-percent increase compared with €82.2 million in the same period last year. The business remained relatively strong at the end of the year, despite uncertainties in the macroeconomic environment.
2012 consolidated revenue increased 16 percent to € 355.7 million (U.S. $478.7 million) compared to € 306.9 million in 2011, an increase of 16 percent mainly driven by equipment sales.
During 2012, sales grew in all geographic areas, but especially in Latin America, which saw a 77-percent leap. The United States grew 27 percent and Asia Pacific grew 21 percent, maintaining steady growth. Europe, which had a modest 5-percent increase, remained soft as observed in the third quarter.
Rental activities and services continued their growth, with sales up 8 percent from rental to €45.9 (U.S. $61.8 million) and a 5-percent increase for services to €32.5 million (U.S. $43.7 million) at the end of 2012.
The activity level over the second half of 2012 allows Haulotte Group to confirm its return to operating on a break-even basis over the whole year, the company said.
Despite the European economic environment remaining difficult, the need for fleet renewal in Europe and the positive orientation of the emerging markets in which Haulotte operates support the business outlook for 2013. Haulotte Group expects to show growth of around 10 percent of sales in 2013.
Haulotte Group, headquartered in L’Horme, France, is an international maker of aerial work platforms and equipment.
