The forest machine market continued to be strong in the second quarter of the year.
Ponsse indicate North and Central Europe markets, as well as Russia, showed the most growth. Order intake for the quarter was excellent, and the order books for the period under review showed a result of EUR 187.0 (141.4) million. Good demand, long order books and investment in the factory have had an effect on the length of delivery times. In the current situation, demand exceeds capacity considerably, and the pressures to accelerate delivery times have continued to grow. With the strong demand, it has been difficult to obtain components, and the situation will remain challenging in the near future. However, Ponsse indicate that they have been able to manufacture machines according to the plan.
The company’s net sales for the second quarter were EUR 149.0 (128.8) million. Growth in net sales compared to the reference period was 15.7 percent. The net sales of maintenance services and the trade-in machine business increased greatly. The growth of net sales is at a good level, given that the ramp-up of the new Ponsse factory started at the end of the first quarter of 2018. The effects of the ramp-up of the factory will show in the number of machines in the second and third quarters. International business accounted for 78.4 (74.5) per cent of turnover.
The Vieremä plant investment is proceeding on schedule. During the second quarter, Ponnse built new production lines and renovated facilities in the factory. The Group's euro-denominated operating profit is expected to be at the same level in 2018 as it was in 2017. The added benefits of the expansion will begin to be realised in the second half of 2018. Source