Sweden-based Alfa Laval, a manufacturer in heat transfer, centrifugal separation and fluid handling, reported second quarter sales were SEK 6.7 billion (US$857.6 million), a decrease of 15.1% from the prior year. Profit was SEK 637 million (US$81.5 million).

For the first six months, sales declined 10.3% to SEK 13.7 billion (US$1.75 billion). Profit was SEK 1.4 billion (US$179.2 million).

Order intake declined by 9% compared to the first quarter 2009, due to a lower activity level in the economy, difficulties for our customers to get financing and postponed investment …