DEVELOPMENT IN THE BUSINESS AREAS
AUTOMATION
Net sales in Automation decreased by 1 percent to SEK 583 million (591) and EBITA decreased by 17 percent to SEK 50 million (60).
Market
The Automation business area was affected somewhat negatively by COVID-19. The greatest negative impact was on demand from the Nordic engineering sector, particularly in the units exposed to small and medium-sized customers. The units outside the Nordic region experienced major challenges in terms of restrictions and closures. The units exposed to the medical technology sector, the defence industry and the data and telecom sectors developed positively.
COMPONENTS
Net sales in Components decreased by 2 percent to SEK 496 million (504) and EBITA decreased by 6 percent to SEK 50 million (54).
Market
On the whole, the Components business area was affected moderately negatively by COVID-19. The units in special vehicles and the engineering sector experienced the greatest negative impact. The units exposed to the medical technology and electronics sectors developed favourably, with sales of components and solutions for which demand increased due to the pandemic. Geographically, Finland had the best market situation while Sweden faced the greatest challenges. Nonetheless, Denmark and Norway experienced a stable business situation in the market segments in which the companies operate.
ENERGY
Net sales in Energy increased by 10 percent to SEK 683 million (619) and EBITA increased by 21 percent to SEK 81 million (67).
Market
The business situation was very positive in the Energy business area in the first quarter, affected only marginally by COVID-19. Sales of infrastructure products for national and regional grids and for wind power, held at high levels and the market situation remained stable throughout the quarter. The units that are active in sales of niche products for electrical power distribution, as well as construction and installation experienced clear effects of the pandemic through decreased demand.
INDUSTRIAL PROCESS
Net sales in Industrial Process decreased by 17 percent to SEK 669 million (807) and EBITA decreased by 29 percent to SEK 73 million (103).
Market
The Industrial Process business area was impacted very negatively by the effects of COVID-19. The market situation for the companies in the forest industry was very positive, but otherwise demand decreased in most market segments, primarily in special vehicles, the engineering sector and in the marine segment. Demand for solutions for scrubber installations remained low due to the uncertainty surrounding the oil price and the prevailing pandemic, and sales decreased by approximately 50 percent compared with the corresponding period last year.
POWER SOLUTIONS
Net sales in Power Solutions decreased by 9 percent to SEK 381 million (417) and EBITA decreased by 23 percent to SEK 50 million (65).
Market
The Power Solutions business area was affected very negatively by the effects of COVID-19. The sharply declining market for special vehicles was what most affected the business area as a whole, with sales decreasing by approximately 25 percent because of the prevailing situation. The market situation otherwise remained favourable for customised battery solutions and for the companies operating in power supply and wind power. The business situation in data and telecom developed positively over the quarter.