DEVELOPMENT IN THE BUSINESS AREAS

AUTOMATION
Net sales in Automation increased in the second quarter by 25 percent to SEK 552 million (444) and EBITA increased by 26 percent to SEK 57 million (45). Net sales during the period increased by 25 percent to SEK 1,143 million (916) and EBITA increased by 24 percent to SEK 117 million (94).

Market
The Automation business area continued to perceive underlying demand as flattening out, although at a high level. For the business area’s largest segments, mechanical industry and medical technology, involving deliveries of production components and automation solutions, the market situation remained favourable and demand was stable. The market situation was also favourable in the defence industry as well as in the data and telecommunications segment, although demand varied between geographical markets in the latter.

COMPONENTS
Net sales in Components increased in the second quarter by 13 percent to SEK 511 million (451) and EBITA increased by 10 percent to SEK 58 million (53). Net sales during the period increased by 10 percent to SEK 1,015 million (925) and EBITA increased by 1 percent to SEK 112 million (111).

Market
The market for production components held at a good level despite continued strong comparison figures from the preceding year. The market situation in Norway and Finland was favourable, and it remained stable in Denmark and Sweden. The companies in the business area perceived a flattening-out in demand in the mechanical industry, while the market situation for special vehicles was stable. The business situation was favourable in the electronics industry as well as in the wind power, defence, oil and gas, and marine industries.

ENERGY
Net sales in Energy increased in the second quarter by 4 percent to SEK 593 million (571) and EBITA increased by 17 percent to SEK 75 million (64). Net sales during the period increased by 10 percent to SEK 1,212 million (1,106) and EBITA increased by 19 percent to SEK 142 million (120).

Market
During the second quarter, the market situation for the business area as a whole was positive. In the Nordic countries, demand remained high for products for electricity grid operators. Our units that sell niche products for electricity distribution perceived varied demand, although at a good level. Units serving the expansion of fibre-optic networks and the construction and installation segments noted some slackening in demand. Work on customer focus and streamlining has had a positive effect on the operating margins.

INDUSTRIAL PROCESS
Net sales in Industrial Process increased in the second quarter by 74 percent to SEK 865 million (497) and EBITA increased by 164 percent to SEK 134 million (50). Net sales during the period increased by 68 percent to SEK 1,672 million (995) and EBITA increased by 136 percent to SEK 237 million (100).

Market
Sales of products and services for environmental improvement solutions in the marine segment remained at a very high level, while demand in new projects was lower in the quarter. In the second quarter too, generally favourable organic growth provided good leverage on the operating margins. Operations exposed to the mechanical industry, special vehicles and forest industry noted somewhat lower demand, while the business situation in other process industries was favourable.

POWER SOLUTIONS
Net sales in Power Solutions increased in the second quarter by 6 percent to SEK 402 million (380) and EBITA increased  by 10 procent to SEK 62 million (56). Net sales during the period increased by 3 percent to SEK 819 million (799) and EBITA increased by 12 percent to SEK 127 million (113).

Market
In most of the business area’s niche markets, the business situation during the second quarter was good. The market for customised batteries remained highly positive. The companies in the business area’s largest customer segment, special vehicles, experienced demand levelling off at a high level. Sales of power supply systems was stable, as were demand for components for the wind power industry.