The beverages division of SIG (Neuhausen / Switzerland; www.sig.biz) reported an "on-plan" balanced operating profit (EBIT) for the first half of 2006 (no change on H1 2005) on sales up 17% at EUR 63m. Overall, the combibloc specialist showed earnings up 10% at EUR 103m on sales up 12% at EUR 646m.

The company said that its beverages division, through which it supplies the PET bottling sector with equipment for production, coating and filling, has provided "very satisfying" development. Its "value added" bottling strategy had provided an impact, with Plasmax PET coating technology winning new customers and remaining a focus of development. Investment had continued in both Plasmax and aseptic filling unit Asbofill, SIG said.