A Kalmar Autoshuttle

Cargotec's sales increased 15% in the first nine months of the year to EUR2,753 million (USD3,122 million), while orders rose 2% reaching EUR2,733 million (USD3,099 million).

The last quarter saw orders at EUR907 million (USD1,028 million), up 9% from the same period last year.

Third-quarter sales, meanwhile, rose 10% to EUR928 million (USD1,052 million).

Cargotec president and CEO Mika Vehviläinen notes healthy market activity in the container handling and truck-related load handling sectors.

"Our investments in new products and operational development were highlighted in several major orders received during the quarter.

"Demand was strong in the United States and Europe," he says.

Vehviläinen says the MacGregor business is feeling the impact of a "challenging market situation" in merchant shipping and offshore, with low order volumes. He notes that the business unit is undergoing restructuring to improve its performance.

"Overall, Cargotec's orders and sales developed favourably during the quarter (and) profitability continued to improve in Kalmar and Hiab."

Looking forward, Cargotec expects 2015 sales to grow from 2014. Operating profit, excluding restructuring costs for 2015, is also expected to improve from 2014.

Cargotec is a leading provider of cargo handling solutions, with its Kalmar, Hiab and MacGregor brands. It operates in more than 100 countries.