AUTOMATION
Net sales in Automation increased by 2 percent to SEK 910 million (897) and EBITA increased by 7 percent to SEK 117 million (109).

Market
On the whole, the Automation business area experienced a good market situation in the first quarter with a stable sales trend. Sales in medical technology decreased somewhat against tough comparisons, while they were favourable for the companies in the process and defence industries and on the whole stable in the engineering segment. 

ELECTRIFICATION
Net sales in Electrification increased by 9 percent to SEK 1,119 million (1,024) and EBITA increased by 15 percent to SEK 150 million (130).

Market
The Electrification business area experienced a good market situation in the first quarter, with a favourable sales trend for the business area as a whole. In general, the market situation was stable albeit with variations between market segments. Demand increased in special vehicles, the engineering sector, energy and defence, while it was stable in electronics. Sales were weak in data and telecommunications, as well as in building and installation, but were stable in medical technology.

ENERGY
Net sales in Energy increased by 2 percent to SEK 1,459 million (1,428) and EBITA increased by 7 percent to SEK 212 million (198).

Market
The Energy business area experienced a favourable market situation and stable sales in the first quarter. Demand was highly favourable for infrastructure products for the renewal and extension of national and regional grids, as well as for niche products for electrical transmission. On the whole, the market situation was stable in the engineering industry and improved in wind power, while it remained weak in building and installation. Sales were varied in data and telecommunications, with the build-out of fiber-optic networks remaining weak, while sales to data halls were strong. The revaluation of contingent purchase considerations affected profit for the quarter negatively by about SEK 3 million.

INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS
Net sales in Industrial Solutions increased by 5 percent to SEK 968 million (923) and EBITA increased by 37 percent to SEK 216 million (157).

Market
In general, the business situation for the Industrial Solutions business area was stable in the first quarter. For companies exposed to the forestry and sawmill industries, sales were good, while demand for new projects remained weak. For the companies operating in the engineering segment and in special vehicles, demand decreased, while the market situation in subsea was favourable. The business area was affected positively by an unrealised exchange rate gain of about SEK 7 million over the quarter.

PROCESS TECHNOLOGY
Net sales in Process Technology increased by 20 percent to SEK 987 million (824) and EBITA increased by 28 percent to SEK 143 million (112).

Market
For the Process Technology business area, the market situation was highly favourable in the first quarter of the year, with highly favourable sales growth in most markets. Demand was stable in energy, medical technology and forest and process while it was good in the marine segment and weak in special vehicles, engineering sector and for components and solutions towards aftermarket and services.