GARBSEN, GERMANY – LPKF Laser & Electronics reported first-half revenue rose 34% to EUR 50.3 million on higher solar equipment demand. Earnings increased 42% to EUR 7.4 million.

Second-quarter revenue was EUR 29.8 million, says the firm, which makes routing and depaneling equipment for printed circuit board manufacturing.

The company had incoming orders of EUR 60 million and backlogs of EUR 34.9 million during the first half.

LPKF attributes its second-quarter success in part to the boom in its solar business. Other factors include its laser systems for cutting printed circuit boards and systems for laser direct structuring.

LPKF forecasts revenue of EUR 100 million to EUR 105 million for 2012, with growth in all segments. Management expects revenue to grow approximately 10% each year in 2013 and 2014.

Ed.: EUR 1 = US$1.23