Sweden-based Alfa Laval, a manufacturer in heat transfer, centrifugal separation and fluid handling, reported third quarter sales were SEK 5.8 billion (US$847.2 million), a decrease of 12.3% from the prior year. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, sales were down 18%. Profit was down 30% to SEK 704 million (US$102.8 million).
For the first nine months, sales declined 1% to SEK 19.5 billion (US$2.8 billion). Profit was SEK 2.1 billion (US$306.7 million).
Order intake increased by 3% compared to the second quarter 2009, driven by improvement in the Process Industry and Marine & Diesel segments, and higher demand from the refinery industry.