Swedish manufacturer Alfa Laval (STO: ALFA) reported sales for the fourth quarter of SEK 8.1 billion (US$1.3 billion), an increase of 2 percent over the same period a year ago. Profit was SEK 902 million (US$142.3 million).

Western Europe, including Nordic, had good growth. Asia also showed growth, where South East Asia, India and the Middle East had a good order intake. Customers in China had "an awaiting attitude." In North America demand was unchanged sequentially.

For the full year, sales were SEK 29.8 billion (US$4.7 billion), a 4 percent increase from 2011. Profit was SEK 3.2 billion (US$505.9 million).