BUSINESS AREA
SWEDEN & POLAND

The business area includes the Group’s operations in Sweden consisting of the companies BE Group Sverige and Lecor Stålteknik, as well as the Polish operation BE Group Poland.

Fourth quarter

Net sales increased by 7 percent in the fourth quarter compared to last year and amounted to SEK 607 M (568). The operating result improved to SEK 30 M (6). Adjusted for inventory gains and losses and items affecting comparability of SEK 4 M (-7), the underlying operating result increased to SEK 26 M (13).

The tonnage in the distribution business in Sweden was in line with the same period last year. At the same time, the operation is showing an improved underlying operating result, mainly due to the continued increase of steel prices. The production business in Sweden & Poland also continued to show improved profitability, due to higher sales and an improved gross margin resulting from higher capacity utilization and positive price and mix effects.

Full-year 2018

Net sales increased by 18 percent compared with the same period last year, and amounted to SEK 2,476 M (2,094). The operating result increased to SEK 123 M (78). Adjusted for inventory gains and losses and items affecting comparability, the underlying operating result increased to SEK 104 M (72).

Profit improved mainly due to the continuous improvement work in the production unit in Norrköping. Tonnage increased by 9 percent compared with 2017.