Hiab received orders worth €288m in Q1, 5% higher than the same period in 2016. Orders received increased in tail lifts, loader cranes, services and demountables. During the first quarter Hiab received an order for more than 100 Hiab loader cranes from China. It was also agreed that Hiab would deliver 69 Multilift hooklifts and seven Hiab loader cranes for Scania Finland.
“The demand for Hiab’s load handling equipment was supported in the United States by the construction activity, which remained at a good level during the first quarter. In Europe, the construction market continued to grow, but activity levels varied between countries. The demand for services improved from last year,” said Cargotec.
Sales revenue rose 10% year-on-year to €270m, while operating profit jumped by 23% to €39.5m. The company attributed the profitability improvement to higher volumes and new products.
During the first quarter Hiab brought to market a new Zepro tail lift which is lighter than the previous model and faster to install. It also delivered the first forestry crane equipped with the camera-based HiVision control system to a customer in Sweden.
Hiab also established the New Business Solutions organisation and started the first pilot projects with customers in the UK and the Netherlands. The pilot projects cover both loader cranes and demountables business lines.
