KBA moved into the black for the first time this year with an operating profit of 11.6m (17.3m) compared to a loss of 3.9m in 2004. Pre-tax profits were up to 6.7m compared to losses of 6.5m in the same period last year. Sales had grown by 17.2% to 740m.

According to KBA, the growth was due to a rise in new orders for sheetfed and web presses. Orders were up 15.8% to 445.4m, while web and special press demand had risen by 38.3% to 436.2m.

KBA UK managing director Christian Knapp said that demand had increased as products launched last year at Drupa came onto the market.

Meanwhile, MAN Roland posted improved operating profits at its printing division, rising to 10.7m (16m) over Q3, compared to 2m in the same period in 2004. Sales in the division were at 303m compared to 274m last year.

The group said that orders for the web press sector remained "solid".

Third Quarter results

KBA Group Q3 2005
- Operating profit 3.9m

- Pre-tax profit 6.7m

- Sales 740m

MAN Roland Q3 2005 results printing division
- Operating profit 10.7m

- Sales 303m