Equipment World reported Volvo Construction Equipment experienced a strong first quarter in 2012, reporting a 17% rise in sales. According to the company, these positive results come despite a flat total world market for construction equipment, compared to last year, and a Chinese market that was down by 26%.

Volvo Construction Equipment also demonstrated strong profitability during the period, posting a 21% increase in operating income in the same period last year.  According to the company, Volvo CE’s order book on 31st March 2012 was also improved at 35% higher than the previous year.

“The strong sales growth and high profitability is a combination of growth in all regions, especially in North America, and our success in achieving sales and profitability is on a par with the preceding year in China, despite the significant weakening of that market,” commented Volvo CE’s President Pat Olney. “Our success in China was due to our continued ability to capture market share, thanks to a strong product portfolio and our efforts to establish stable distribution channels.”