The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group have reported an increase in sales while maintaining the operating expenses at the same levels despite difficult market conditions. Their market share in existing markets grew and further expanded with the introduction of new products, thanks to their worldwide presence across markets and product and customer groups.
The operating result came out at EUR 13.2M, the same as it was in 2011. The net result amounted to EUR 10.1M (2011: EUR 12.9M). Net sales increased by 8% to EUR 658M and the tonnage sold increased by 11% worldwide. Solvency remained strong at 44.5%.
This international trading and distribution company of steel pipes and pipe products is focussing on expanding their specializations and furthering their global spread. The Teuling Staal and Jean Wauters Aciers Spéciaux companies specialising in (super) duplex and bar steel, respectively, which Van Leeuwen acquired in 2011, made a solid contribution to the result. The company also expanded its international network by opening a sales office in Moscow.
The company focuses on both the manufacturing and energy markets. Despite a decline in demand in the European manufacturing market and slowdown in investments in the energy market worldwide, Van Leeuwen maintained its pace. It expanded its range of services in the manufacturing market and profited from the growth in the offshore and subsea projects market. The branches in Canada, Asia, and Australia made a significant contribution to the operating result.
