Milacronґs projected Q3 loss lower than last year

US plastics machinery manufacturer Milacron, Cincinnati, Ohio, expects to report a net loss of around USD 8m for the third quarter of 2004, including some USD 2.5m in post-tax restructuring charges.

However, Milacron said the results “would be an improvement” against the comparable 2003 period. Quarterly sales are projected to be in the USD 177-182m range, compared with the year-to-date USD 170 m, but below the USD 188-200m predicted at the end of July.

The company said it believes many plastics processors may be deferring capital spending due to recent rises in oil and polymer prices.BASF, (Ludwigshafen, Germany) has agreed.