Feb 24, 2012. /Lesprom Network/. Tropical timber and panels supplier Rougier has entered 2012 with “serenity” due to a stronger balance sheet and a 6.1% growth in annual sales, as TTJ reported. In a trading update, the company said 2011 sales were up to Euro 147.1 million, while the 4Q saw a 2.7% rise to Euro 41.1 million. Sawn timber sales (representing 52% of Rougier’s consolidated sales in 2011) were up 16.2% to Euro 76.2 million, while panels showed a 6.4% reverse to Euro 33.4 million. The main Africa International division showed a turnover of Euro 155.4 million. Europe remained the main sales region, showing 3.5% sales growth to Euro 88.5 million, followed by Asia (up 15.6% to Euro 35.7 million). Demand in northern European markets was sustained and offset a contraction of southern European markets. Rougier is continuing is strategy of geographic market diversification, with increasing sales in Asia and America. Profits will be released in the company’s annual results, published on March 26. But Rougier warned that major adjustments in its production, logistics and commecial operations in Gabon would impact group operating profitability.