Full-year revenues rise at Haulotte

Manufacturer Haulotte has reported a 20% year-on-year increase in consolidated sales for 2014 to €413 million, with strong growth in most regions.

In a trading update, the company said growth was up 33% in the Asia Pacific, up 29% in Europe, and up 28% in North America. The exception was Latin America, where it said growth was down 25% for the year.

“Service activity shows a significant increase throughout the year (up 13% overall in 2014), which seems to confirm the high utilisation rates for Haulotte machines in the fleets of our rental business customers,” the company said.

Excluding foreign exchange gains and losses, and the sale of its UK rental business, Haulotte said it expected to report second-half earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) close to the figure it reported in the first half. It did not provide EBIT figures in its trading update.

The company added that fourth quarter sales grew 8% to €97.2 million.

Looking ahead, Haulotte said that despite the macro-economic, financial and geopolitical environment remaining very uncertain, the need for fleet renewal from its rental business customers, particularly in Europe, remained very real. It said this should produce sales growth of close to 5% in 2015.

The company’s full 2014 annual results will be released on 11 March.