‘Stabilising’ global market aids Haulotte’s fourth quarter

Euan Youdale Editor, Access International

14 February 2024

Haulotte has pointed to a stabilising international market in its positive fourth quarter 2023 results, and forecasts flat sales for the year ahead, partly due to consolidation in its main markets.

The results show a 13% increase in sales to €199 in the quarter, compared to the same period last year. A reduced pressure on component supplies and an ease in the backlog were both factors in the good performance, said the company.

Haulotte's low level access range. (PHOTO: Haulotte

“Driven by the growth observed in the first half of the year, the global aerial work platform market reached its highest level ever recorded,” added the France-based manufacturer.

In that context, the company posted consolidated full year sales of €767 million, up 28% on 2022, driven by strong growth in sales volumes and price increases.

Regional gains

In Europe, the company’s main market and one that declined slightly over the year, it recorded sales growth of 14% compared to the previous year, despite increasingly intense competition, it said.

In the Asia-Pacific region, Haulotte continued its positive performance, with sales up 18% compared to 2022, driven mainly by Turkey and Australia.

In North America, where Haulotte has a smaller but growing presence, the company continued its efforts to penetrate the market and posted an impressive 75% increase in sales over 2023, with the aerial platform business recording a growth of 110%.

In Latin America, the strong recovery of the market over the last two years, particularly in Brazil, enabled a 26% increase in sales over the previous year.

All in all, equipment sales rose by 31%, while the rental side of the business grew by 14%, and services by 13%.

The good level of activity at the end of the financial year has resulted in a current operating margin, excluding exchange gains and losses, close to 4% of sales in 2023.

“In a market that is expected to consolidate, as observed in the second half of 2023, Haulotte expects stable sales for 2024,” added the group.