KCI Konecranes' special crane sales were stable in January to June, but standard lifting equipment sales fell 17.5 percent compared to the same period in 2001.

Orders received were 16.3 percent down for special cranes and 16.9 percent down for standard lifting equipment, according to the company's January-June financial report. Standard lifting equipment now represents 28 percent of the group's total sales, accounting for EUR346.8 million (USD338.8 million) from January to June, compared to 33 percent in 2001. Total group sales dipped 3.2 percent, from EUR358.4 million (USD351.6 million) in 2001, to EUR346.8 million (USD340.2 million) this year. Other divisions, maintenance services and internal sales, contributed to the total group sales figure.

The order book at EUR269.6 million (USD262.9 million), was down 21.8 percent compared to the same period in 2001 but "stands at a good level", according to the report.

"Although the decline has now turned into a moderate growth in new orders, reaching last year's standard lifting income level will be challenging. Special cranes is expected to develop according to plan," the report said.