Aug 02, 2012. /Lesprom Network/. Raute's order intake during the 2Q was on a low level, totaling Euro 15 million. Technology services accounted for Euro 8 million of the order intake, increasing by one third from the 1Q. The volume of new orders remained at a low level as several projects which were expected to be realized in the 2Q were delayed due to the uncertainties related to the market development and financing, as the company said in the press release received by Lesprom Network. The most significant new orders were an automatic drying-grading line to Russia and a pressing line and dryer to Poland. The order book fell by Euro 9 million during the 2Q but remained on a high level at Euro 73 million. 2Q net sales amounted to Euro 22.4 million. Net sales increased from the 1Q by 48%. 2Q operating profit was Euro 0.6 million positive and accounted for 3% of net sales. The 2Q result was Euro 0.3 million positive, and earnings per share were Euro 0.07. Tapani Kiiski, President and CEO, said: “The 2Q of the year in progress met our expectations. The strong order book generated almost 50% higher net sales compared to the 1Q and the operating profit for the 2Q was positive. We are still presently at the same level in terms of net sales as in the previous year but our result is better and we have achieved a positive operating result. Almost Euro 50 million in project deliveries from our strong order book have been planned for the second half of the year, which is nearly twice that of the first half of the year. The focus of the load is shifting from planning to production and start-up resources and to our cooperation partners. We are now in a situation in which we can truly show our expertise and delivery ability, which we have maintained even in difficult years. The year has proceeded and will continue to proceed in an uncertain market situation. The development of technology services has, however, been positive compared to the first quarter. Construction activity in the main markets of our customers is still on a low level and therefore our customers do not need to make any significant capacity-increasing investments. Various types of projects are underway but the uneasy money market and demand situation make their implementation and the timing of their start-ups uncertain. A strong order book provides Raute with a clearly positive result and the opportunity to focus our efforts on the implementation of our strategy and on development projects which will guarantee us a better position to meet the challenges of the changing markets and, on the other hand, the opportunities presented by the improving markets when the global economy regains its stability”. The net sales for the 1H 2012 were Euro 37.5 million, equaled the level of the comparison period. South America’s share of the net sales rose to 36 %. Europe’s share of total net sales was 29%, Russia’s 20%, North America’s 11% and Asia-Pacific’s 4%. Operating profit for the period of January 1 - June 30, 2012 was Euro 0.1 million positive and accounted for 0% of net sales. The result before taxes for the period of January 1 - June 30, 2012 was Euro 0.1 million positive and the result Euro 0.2 million negative. Earnings per share (undiluted) were Euro -0.05. Raute is a technology and service company that operates worldwide. Raute’s customers are companies operating in the wood products industry that manufacture veneer, plywood and LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber).