Operating profit reached 37 MSEK (same as last year ) thanks to the good development of sales of cost-effective pumps, mixers and aerators to the Water and Waste water segment. Invoiced sales for the first quarter of 2000 increased to 571 Million Swedish Crowns (last year 538).

The order intake and deliveries to ABS largest market segment, Water and Waste water, continued to show a good increase. The positive development includes a large number of FlowBoosters to a treatment plant in Moscow. The order intake from the paper and pulp industry and from the building industry was slightly lower than last year.

The Water and Waste water segment accounts for more than 50% of ABS total sales. The increased volumes in this area are driven by the need to supply clean water and water treatment facilities to the growing population of the world. Financing of large projects is facilitated by grants from the European Community and International Banks. The broad product range offered by ABS, including pumps, mixers and aerators has proven to be a successful concept, offering cost-effective solutions for many large projects.

In order to further expand in the building and construction segment, ABS acquired the US company CH&E in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. CH&E manufactures engine driven contractor pumps, which are a suitable complement to the ABS submersible electrical pumps.