KCI Konecranes's total orders received for the first half of 2005 were EUR496.5 million (USD607.7 million), a 40.9 per cent growth from last year's corresponding period.

"Organic growth was 23 per cent and the rest of the growth was attributable to the acquisitions of UK-based Morris Material Handling Ltd and Sweden-based SMV Lifttrucks AB," a company statement said (Forkliftaction.com News #174), (Forkliftaction.com News #191).

Although growth occurred in most business areas, growth in orders for harbour and shipyard cranes was particularly strong.

Order growth in standard lifting equipment was strong and orders in field services were favourable while modernisation orders decreased.

The group's total sales were EUR427.4 million (USD523.1 million), a 34.6 per cent increase from last year. Sales growth accelerated during the second quarter and was 40.8 per cent higher than 2004's second quarter.

"The strongest sales growth took place in the Nordic region and in Eastern Europe," Konecranes said.