In the manufacturing giant's half-year report released the print division showed a 16% year-on-year increase in orders, to 550m (euro 821m), while sales edged up 1% to 457m.
As well as the improved sales, the division has cut its losses for the period from 25m in 2003 to 19m this year. The report stated that the loss was "due mainly to the costs of Drupa".
The print division was the only section of the MAN Group to record a pre-tax loss.
In its outlook, it said: "After last year's losses, [the] printing machines [division] will substantially improve earnings, although the target of achieving a nominally positive result is ambitious in the face of additional pressure on margins."
The report also said that "additional cost-cutting measures" would be required in the sheetfed and web press sector, on top of the group's continued restructuring projects in areas with "unsatisfactory" profit levels.
Story by Josh Brooks
