Beverage filling and packaging machines specialist Krones (Neutraubling; www.krones.de) has reported earnings before tax of EUR 75.7m in the first six months of 2007, up 25.7% year-on-year. Sales rose by 14.5% to reach EUR 1.05 bn, thanks to general worldwide economic growth and a ‘continuing boom’ in the beverages sector, especially in PET containers which saw continuous growth throughout the period.

Growth in expanding markets including China and Russia was complemented by increased sales in South America, Scandinavia and Germany. Sales in the USA and western Europe were maintained at the level of the previous year. The company’s order book rose by 17.8% in the first six months compared with the same period last year with the second quarter showing a 21.8% increase year-on-year. At the end of the first half orders stood at EUR 802m, 12.7% up on the previous year.

The company has forecast sales in 2007 exceeding EUR 2 bn and says it will continue to focus on increasing profitability. It expects the return on sales before taxes to exceed 7% and has targeted a return on capital employed of 20%.

e-Service:
Krones interim results 2007 as PDF document (525 kB)