Konecranes reports mixed first quarter

Konecranes’ port solutions sector reported a year-on-year loss of 8.5% in orders received in the first quarter of 2018, as operating profit fell by 1.1% to €3.1m (US$3.75m).

The company’s orders received totalled €226.2m (US$273.83m) and Konecranes said orders in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and the Americas fell due to the timing of projects, which subsequently impacted on orders for heavier container handling equipment. However, orders in the Asia-Pacific region did grow.

Panu Routila, president and CEO of Konecranes, said: “The global economy still looks strong, especially in the US, where key macroeconomic indicators continued to improve.