Krones swings back to profit

After a decline in turnover during the first nine months of 2009, Krones managed to stem the tide of red ink during the fourth quarter when demand from China and Latin America began to pick up again.

Some European markets seem to be recovering too, Mr Thaus said, while the U.S. and Eastern Europe remained difficult.

Because of the economic slump, three out of 10 Krones employees had to be put on short time last year. Krones employs about 8,200 people in Germany.

Mr Thaus announced that, given the strong signs of recovery, no one will have to be put on short time this year at Krones.