In the 3Q, Wood division once again enjoyed growth with sales up by 3.9%. Business, firmly focused on the wood for energy and the timber frame wall and house sectors, enabled the group to largely offset the decline in sales recorded in the decoration segment, which continues to be impacted by the difficult economic climate.
Despite sales being up by 7% in the 1st half of the year, Paper division' sales for the 3Q were down by 4.6%. This decline, which only applies to certain sectors (paper for envelopes), is essentially due to the scheduled reduction in production levels over the summer months to allow for tool maintenance operations to be carried out.
Sales for Sacks division dropped quite significantly in the 3Q with a 6.1% reduction in the last 3 months, almost twice as much as the decline recorded during the 1st half of the year. This underperformance is linked to a backdrop of economic sluggishness in the key target markets (food processing and livestock feed, construction, pet food).
Following a lethargic 1st half of the year, business picked up strongly for Laminates division in the 3Q. Renewed customer loyalty, associated with the increase in performance of its new silicon-coated film and paper production line at the Dax site, allowed the division to realise a number of business opportunities. This positive trend confirms the decision taken concerning the strategic repositioning of this division within the Group's business activities. Industrial investment in new equipment amounting to Euro 12 million will enhance the development capacity of this division over the coming months.
