Global
Other: Oce hit by the declining construction market
Dutch digital manufacturer Oce has blamed the decline in construction markets coupled with supply chain problems caused by the Japanese earthquake for lower sales in the second quarter of 2011.
Oce's total revenues declined by 4% to €626m ($900m) down €50m on the same period last year, while the group's non-recurring revenues dropping 12% to €162m. Recurring revenues at Oce dipped 1% to €464m.
The manufacturer slipped to an operating loss of €11.2m for the quarter (2010: €12.3m profit) while it's pre-tax loss worsened from €9.7m to €13m.
Oce's Wide Format Printing Systems (WFPS) division was hit by the decline in construction market in both the USA and Europe; however, sales were still up 2% at €186m.
The manufacturer reported positive interest in its Arizona 360 GT and XT flatbed printing system launched at Fespa Digital in May, with deliveries commencing this quarter.
Operating income within the division came in at €5m, which was down from €13m in 2010. Rokus van Iperen, chairman of the executive board Oce, said the manufacturer will ramp up production of its newly launched continuous and wide-format products while intensifying its marketing and sales efforts.
