Haulotte Group, has reported that its sales for the first half of 2014 were $271.2 million (€ 207 million), up 17.6% over the same period last year. Also, the manufacturer of powered-access and material-handling equipment reports that its 2014 operating income more than doubled, compared to the first half of 2013.
Revenue from equipment sales was up 18.4%, reaching $231.5 million (€176.7 million), compared to $195.6 million (€ 149.3 million) at this point in 2013.
Equipment-rental revenue was up 1.9%, reaching $14.1 million (€ 10.8 million), compared with $13.9 million (€ 13.9 million) last year.
Service revenue reached $25.8 million (€ 19.7 million), versus $21.4 million (€ 16.3 million), and increase of 20.9 %.
The company reports that the results came as the global market for powered access platforms has continued the favorable trend from 2013, but is now driven by Europe and Asia Pacific.
Half year growth was significant in Europe (+29%), North America (+26%), and Asia Pacific (+22%). Latin America confirmed the trend observed in the first quarter of the year (-31% in the period). Service activity continued the strong growth previously seen in 2013, due to increased activity from rental clients.
Driven by the rebound of the European market, (more a result of the aging of AWP fleet, than any real improvement in the economic outlook), Haulotte Group expects annual growth of activity of more than 15%.
The company acquired a 50% stake in its historical Turkish distributor during the second quarter of 2014.
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