KCI Konecranes experienced a strong year in 2005 with group total orders growing 44 per cent to EUR1,061.2 million (USD1,263.4 million).

Orders received grew in all business areas and 30 per cent of the growth was organic.

The strongest organic growth occurred in America, Australia and the Nordic Europe. Growth in other markets was attributed to acquisitions made in 2004 (Forkliftaction.com News #174), (Forkliftaction.com News #191).

At year end, the value of the group's total order backlog was EUR432.1 million (USD514.5 million), up 44.6 per cent from 2004. Fourth quarter orders of EUR287 million (USD341.7 million) set a new record, the group said in a statement.

Group sales were EUR970.8 million (USD1,155.8 million), increasing 33.4 per cent from 2004 sales of EUR728 million (USD866.8 million).

The group's operating income increased 57.6 per cent to EUR49.3 million (USD58.7 million). During the fourth quarter, costs for closing the group's special crane manufacturing operations in Germany amounted to EUR2.6 million (USD3.1 million). Taking that into account, the 41.4 per cent growth in operating income was EUR15.2 million (USD18.1 million).

Konecranes said its strong new equipment order backlog, growing maintenance services, and latest acquisition, gave it a "good starting point" for 2006.

"Based on the current market outlook, total sales growth is expected to exceed 20 per cent. Selected acquisitions will be considered in the future," the group said.

The acquisition of R Stahl Fördertechnik is expected to add EUR120 (USD142.9 million) to EUR130 million (USD154.8 million) to the group's sales in its standard lifting equipment business area.