For the first half of the fiscal year (30 September), Krauss- Maffei Kunststofftechnik GmbH (D-80997 Munich; www.krauss-maffei.de) posted an increase in incoming orders to EUR 237m, up 17% on the previous year. However, some of this result is based on the first-time consolidation of acquisitions such as Neureder AG (D-85445 Oberding- Schwaig; www.neureder.com) and the metering technology division purchased from Elastogran GmbH (D-49448 Lemförde; www.elastogran.de).

The company also sees positive developments in its core business segments. Joseph Märtl, management spokesperson, reports a significant increase in orders from the automotive and construction industry and orders for PET and DVD systems. While orders from the automotive industry, particularly from Eastern Europe, had a positive effect on the standard injection moulding machine business, the situation in the small and medium-sized injection moulding machine segment is still deemed unsatisfactory.

Business in the area of reaction and extrusion technology has recovered to a “more satisfying level.” The extrusion segment benefits from a more widespread readiness to invest among companies in the GUS and China while the reaction technology segment with “gratifying sales increases” is reported to have improved its position within the automotive industry and in the area of white goods.

Despite the rather difficult market situation, Märtl expects sales increases of 12% to EUR 450m for the complete fiscal year and results for Krauss-Maffei group to improve by 35%.