Feb 21, 2012. /Lesprom Network/. Ponsse's consolidated net sales for 2011 amounted to Euro 328.2 million, which was 25.1% more than in the comparison period. International business operations accounted for 69.3% of net sales, as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. Net sales were regionally distributed as follows: Northern Europe 51.6%, Central and Southern\ Europe 18.6%, Russia and Asia 16.1%, North and South America 13.8 %. The operating result for 2011 amounted to Euro 28.8 million. The operating result equalled 8.8% of net sales for the period under review. An impairment loss worth about Euro 3.6 million related to external trade receivables in South America was recognized as an expense during the period. Consolidated return on capital employed (ROCE) stood at 24.3%. 4Q net sales were Euro 102.7 million. 4Q operating result was Euro 10.2 million, equalling 10% of net sales. The operating result of the last quarter includes a write-down of Euro 1 million on external trade receivables in South America. Juho Nummela, President and CEO comments: “The company’s business operations grew as planned during the period under review. The efficiency of operational business increased towards the end of the period, which is seen in net sales, operating result, and cash flows from operations. Investments in product development have borne fruit during the period under review. Our improved product families, including our new crane models and eight-wheel harvesters meet market requirements very well. The uncertainty of the world economy began to affect the demand for forest machines at the end of the 3Q, and this trend continued through the final quarter. Despite the economic uncertainty, there were no problems with customer financing in the past quarter. The company’s order books were at a good level throughout the year, amounting to Euro 71.9 million at the end of the period, which is 5.3% more than in the corresponding period.” Ponsse Plc specialises in the sales, production, maintenance and technology of cut-to-length forest machines.