June 17, 2009

Order intake volume at Swedish manufacturer Sandvik gradually declined in April and May to a level 40% to 50% lower than last year, due primarily to low demand across customer segments. As a result, the company has had to take extensive actions to offset the impact, including reducing staff by 6,000 since October.

In addition to the staff reductions, work hours will be reduced by 15% to 20% for about 12,000 to 14,000 workers beginning in June, and 10 production sites will be permanently closed.

"The current market situation is very weak, which has a substantial effect on a business like Sandvik’s. Implemented and approved actions will have a gradual effect, but the weak volume trend in the second quarter and probably also the third quarter will have a significantly negative effect …

Actuant Corp., Milwaukee, WI, reported sales for the third quarter ended May 31, 2009, were $290 million, down 35% from the prior year. Core sales declined 33%. The diversified industrial company recorded a loss of $17.6 million for the term, compared to profit of $38.6 million for third quarter 2008.

Year to date, sales declined 23% to $970 million. The net loss for the nine months ended May 31, 2009 was $2.8 million. Profit for third quarter of fiscal 2008 was $88.3 million.

Cost-cutting measures have been implemented throughout the fiscal year, with staff reductions of 7% in the third quarter for a total of 21% reduction year-to-date. Further reductions are expected as restructuring continues, CEO Robert C. Arzbaecher says.

Industrial segment sales in the third quarter …