Jotun growth in first tertiary 2012

In the first four months of 2012 the Jotun Group recorded operating revenues of NOK3784M (US$635.7M), up from NOK3482M (US$584.9M) yr-on-yr. The group’s profit for the period rose to NOK295M, (US$49.5M) from NOK261M (US$43.8M) yr-on-yr.

Key operational highlights included: Sales growth in all four divisions; excellent results for paints division in the Middle East and South East Asia; improved results for the divisions Dekorativ and Powder Coatings; reduced results in Coatings division; gross margin improved.

All Jotun’s four divisions reported higher operating income during the period. Strong sales growth in the Paints, the group’s second largest in terms of revenues, was driven by robust performances in Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.