Saint-Gobain Cites Us Residential Construction As Sales Increase

Saint-Gobain has reported first quarter 2012 sales of 10.2BN Euros, up 3.7% from quarter one, 2011. According to the company, it saw double-digit organic growth in the USA, driven by businesses linked to residential construction. "Amid an uncertain economic climate and despite a particularly tough basis for comparison, Saint-Gobain delivered further organic growth in the first quarter of 2012," said Pierre-Andre de Chalendar, Chairman and CEO. Sales of flat glass fell 5.6% in the quarter, reflecting the slowdown in Asia and emerging countries, the contraction in solar markets and the EU automotive industry, and faltering construction activity in Western Europe.