Growth was continued even though the ramp-up of the Vieremä factory.
Nearly the same number of Ponsse machines were manufactures as in the record year of 2017. The order flow reached a new record in 2018. High demand during the second half of the year had a significant impact on delivery times, as the order book reached a new record level. At the end of the year, the order book totalled EUR 294.9 (124.6) million, being 136.7 per cent higher than in the year before.
Russia, Finland and Sweden were Ponsse’s fastest growing market areas. Russia held its place as the world’s largest market for cut-to-length forest machines, followed by Sweden, with Finland being the third largest market. The market situation was excellent in most parts of the market areas throughout the year.
Cumulative net sales rose to a historical level of EUR 612.4 (576.6) million and the operating profit amounted to EUR 61.7 (67.4). From the beginning of the year, the company’s net sales increased by 6.2 per cent and operating profit decreased by 8.5 per cent year-on-year.
Net sales were regionally distributed as follows: Northern Europe 37.6 (38.0) per cent, Central and Southern Europe 20.0 (18.6) per cent, Russia and Asia 22.5 (20.1) per cent, North and South America 19.2 (22.9) per cent and other countries 0.7 (0.5) per cent. The Group's euro-denominated operating profit is expected to be slightly higher in 2019 than in 2018.
Ponsse’s updated and competitive product range and service solutions have had a significant impact on the company’s growth. The market situation has remained favourable. Availability of components will remain challenging during the first half of year 2019.
The trend of Ponsse investments will increasingly be in R&D and product technology and also developing the service network both in Finland and abroad. The Vieremä factory will be focused on the ramp-up of new products and increasing the capacity taking product quality and reliability into account. Source