TALY (Notifix).- Despite a drop in sales of 2.8%, Italian wood machinery manufacturer Biesse increased EBITDA to EUR 5 million in the 1Q-2013 (2012: EUR 2.5 million). Likewise the company returned to profitability in the 1Q for the first time since 2008.

“We derive cautious satisfaction from this return to net profit but are well aware that we are just at the start of a journey to return to pre-crisis growth rates and profitability”. Commented Stefano Porcellini, the Chief Executive Officer of Biesse. He added “We are still faced with weak demand, especially in Europe, but we should highlight the good results obtained at the Hannover Trade Fair which leads us to hope that innovation can still generate sales even in a period of stagnation. Good results also came from the launch of the B-Solid software for the Rover working centers and from the AirForce system on the BSEdge edging machines.”