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 decreased by 10 percent in the fourth quarter compared to last year and amounted to SEK 439 M (489). The lower sales is explained by negative price and mix effects of 8 percent and a decrease in tonnage by 2 percent. The operating result amounted to SEK 7 M (9). Adjusted for inventory gains and losses and items affecting comparability of SEK 0 M (-2), the underlying operating result amounted to SEK 7 M (12).

The Swedish and Polish operations delivered a weaker underlying operating result compared to last year mainly as a result of negative price and mix effects but also a somewhat lower volume. The market recovered during the fourth quarter, mainly within the manufacturing industry and finished strong. Thanks to efficiency measures and improved gross margins, our joint venture AMBE provided a higher operating result compared to last year, despite a lower volume. Lecor Stålteknik provided an operating result of SEK 0 M (-2), due to increased volume and efficiency improvements.

Full-year 2020

Net sales decreased by 19 percent compared to last year, amounting to SEK 1,782 M (2,209). Operating result amounted to SEK -14 M (61) and was negatively impacted by items affecting comparability of SEK -35 M (-), related to the decision to centralize warehousing and production operations in Norrköping and to close the warehouse in Malmö, which was communicated during the first quarter. Adjusted for inventory gains and losses of SEK -11 M (-5) and the items affecting comparability, the underlying operating result amounted to SEK 32 M (67). Profit decreased mainly as a result of declining volume in the Swedish operations due to reduced activity among our largest customers as an effect of Covid-19. Lecor Stålteknik delivered a result of SEK 1 M (-11).