Swedish manufacturer Atlas Copco, (STO: ATCOA, ATCOB), reported sales for the second quarter of SEK 29 billion (US$3.5 billion), an 18 percent increase over the same period a year ago. Organically, revenue increased 7 percent.

Profit increased 28 percent to SEK 4.1 billion (US$0.5 billion).

Growth was especially strong in Asia where all the business areas grew significantly. Among segments, the semiconductor industry continued to show robust demand for vacuum solutions, and orders for mining equipment rose significantly from a year earlier due to expansions of existing mines as well as investments to replace aging equipment.  

For the first six months, revenue increased 21 percent to SEK 57.1 billion (US$6.9 billion). Profit grew 33 percent to SEK 8.1 billion (US$1 billion).