Pipe systems manufacturer Wavin (Zwolle / The Netherlands; www.wavin.com) has reported a 31% year-on-year increase in operating profit (EBITDA) to EUR 10.9m in the first quarter of 2011. Sales in the period increased 22% compared with the first three months of 2010, reaching EUR 300m.

The company said in a trading update that the market recovery and favourable weather conditions had contributed to the gains in both above and below ground activities. Above ground business benefitted from a new system in the hot and cold segment, while below ground activity was not hampered by the severe weather conditions experienced in the same period of 2010. Substantial growth was reported in most countries, although in France, Italy and Ireland development was flat.

Wavin said it expects sales to grow throughout 2011, albeit at a slower rate than in the first quarter. It added that while raw material cost rises remain unclear, it is focused on passing on any increases to customers, as it did in the final quarter of 2010.