Rubber-tyred gantry manufacturer KCI Konecranes finished 2003 with EUR664.5 million (USD847.3 million) in sales, 6.9% below its EUR710 million (USD905.3 million) 2002 result.

President Stig Gustavson said there were substantial changes in international demand in the year to December 31, 2003. The strongest growth, at 44.9%, was in the Asia-Pacific market.

"In total, (our) performance was fair. In standard lifting equipment, Asia-Pacific surpassed the Americas as the second biggest region. Europe still holds the number one position," he said.

KCI Konecranes reported a strong fourth quarter, with orders up 14.1% year-on-year and income of EUR10.4 million (USD13.2 million).

"The group goes into 2004 from a strong starting point. We are looking forward with confidence to a year of profitable growth," Mr Gustavson said.