FRANKENTHAL (dpa-AFX) - The pump and valve manufacturer KSB has started the current year with an increase in sales despite the difficult environment. In the first three months, revenue rose by almost four percent to 693 million euros, the SDax-listed company announced in Frankenthal on Thursday. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) increased by seven percent to just over 48 million euros. However, incoming orders stagnated.

"With regard to the economic situation, the overall picture is characterized by global political unrest, continuing weak demand in Europe and the slowing economy in China. As a result, the hoped-for tailwind from an economic recovery failed to materialize in the first quarter of the year," said Group CEO Stephan Timmermann. "We are therefore all the more satisfied that we have further increased the Group's performance thanks to our broad product range and our global positioning." He also confirmed the forecast for the current year./zb/jha/