In 2005, Sales of the Business Area increased to 275.9 MEUR, a solid increase of 17.2% compared to 2004. EBITA and profitability also developed very favorably. At 15.9 MEUR, EBITA was 31.4% higher than in 2004, leading to an increase in EBITA margin to 5.8% (2004: 5.1%)

Order Intake, at 444.8 MEUR, increased by 66.8% compared to 2004 (266.7 MEUR), thus reaching a new record level.

By winning several important reference orders, the Business Area was able to expand its market position as one of the world’s leading equipment suppliers for rolling mills and strip processing lines to the steel industry, especially in China. The latter accounted for approximately 49.7% of the Business Area’s total Order Intake in 2005.