ZURICH, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Swiss textile machinery and car components firm Saurer said on Wednesday 2003 sales rose six percent to 2.64 billion Swiss francs ($2.1 billion), while orders fell one percent to 2.60 billion.
Analysts had on average forecast orders at 2.72 billion francs and sales of 2.57 billion. Saurer said the rise in revenue was largely due to increased demand for chemical fibre plants in Asia.
"We anticipate an increase of business in the chemical fibre section this year," the firm said in a statement.
In Saurer's textile division, orders fall two percent to 1.87 billion francs in 2003 and sales rose eight percent to 1.93 billion.
In October, Saurer said it foresaw a clear improvement in 2003 operating and net profit and a slight increase in sales.
The firm, which had 2002 net profit of 48.6 million francs and earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of 101.3 million, will report 2003 earnings on March 18.