22.04.2004

Haulotte announces 31 percent rise in first quarter revenue

Haulotte, the world's third largest aerial lift manufacturer, has announced a 31 percent increase in revenues for the first quarter of 2004, compared with the same period of 2003. Revenues for the first quarter of 2004 were €52.8 million, an increase of €12.5 million, an increase of 31 percent, on 2003's figure.

The acquisition of French rental company Lev, which was completed at the end of December 2003, contributed €5.5 million, of the increase, with the other €7 million, coming from its ongoing manufacturing business.

As already stated in the company's full 2003 financial results, Haulotte said that the start of 2004 confirms the first signs of a global market recovery.

It is understood that results of the UK Platforms acquisition are not included in the first quarter results. Pierre Saubot, president of Pinguely Haulotte, told Vertikal.Net that the sales recovery was wide spread, but mostly outside of France.

As for longer term plans for UK Platforms, Pierre Saubot commented: “this is not fixed but the company’s low rate strategy has already been changed. Rental rates have been increased to levels that are now commercially viable. Hopefully the rest of the UK rental industry will follow suit but that is up to them. At least UK platforms cannot now be accused of offering unsustainable rental rates."