Vaahto Group Plc Oyj - Interim Management statement

VAAHTO GROUP INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT FOR SEPTEMBER 1, 2011 – JANUARY 13, 2012

Lahti, Finland, 2012-01-13 09:00 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VAAHTO GROUP PLC OYJ
STOCK EXCHANGE BULLETIN 13.1.2012  at 10.00 



VAAHTO GROUP INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT FOR SEPTEMBER 1, 2011 - JANUARY 13,
2012 

Vaahto Group's turnover for September 1, 2011, to November 30, 2011, was 14.3
million euros (compared with 10.9 million euros for the corresponding period in
the previous fiscal year), with an operating loss of 0.7 million euros
(comparative: operating loss of 0.3 million euros). Turnover grew from the
reference period, but the operating result was weaker than in the comparative
period. The Group's order book on November 30, 2011, totaled 23.3 million euros
(September 1, 2011: 22.4 million euros). 

Vaahto Paper Technology

Vaahto Paper Technology -division's turnover for September 1, 2011 - November
30, 2011, was 9.0 million euros (7.3 million euros), with an operating loss of
0.6 million euros (operating profit of 0.1 million euros). Turnover grew by 24%
from the reference period's level, but the operating result was weaker than in
the comparative period. The main reason for the negative result of the Vaahto
Paper Technology -division was the poor profitability of the projects
recognized during the review period. 

In the project business, the most significant new order was the modernization
of Södra Cell Mönsterås pulp drying machine. A clear tightening has been seen
in the market situation of project business. The market situation for the
service business has been moderate so far. 

During the review period, the organization and business model of Vaahto Paper
Technology -division was clarified. The actions were taken particularly to
strengthen the sales and R&D functions, and the cost-effectiveness was
increased by combining the over-lapping functions. 

Vaahto Process Technology

Vaahto Process Technology -division's turnover for September 1, 2011 - November
30, 2011, was 5.3 million euros (3.6 million euros), with an operating loss of
0.1 million euros (operating loss 0.4 million euros). Turnover grew by 45 %
from the reference period's level, and the operating result was better than in
the comparative period. The result was affected by the poor profitability of
the vessel business projects delivered during the review period. The
profitability of the agitator business has been in line with targets. 

The market situation of Vaahto Process Technology -division has been remained
moderate and the order book of the division increased during the review period. 

Outlook for the September 1, 2011 - August 31, 2012, fiscal year

The development of the international economy has shown alarming signals, and
the market situation for the Vaahto Group's main industries has clearly
tightened. However, the order book of the Group is still moderate, and despite
of the challenging market environment, the result of Vaahto Group is expected
to improve from the previous fiscal year's figure. However, due to the market
development, which is difficult to forecast, the estimation for the fiscal year
include considerable uncertainty. 



Interim Report for September 1, 2011 - February 29, 2012

Vaahto Group will publish an Interim Report covering six months of operations
on April 12, 2012. 

Lahti, January 13, 2012

VAAHTO GROUP PLC OYJ

The Board of Directors


         Information:
         Anssi Klinga
         CEO, Vaahto Group Plc Oyj
         tel. +358 50 466 1470