Denmark: Rockwool’s net sales rose by 8% year-on-year to Euro543m in the first quarter of 2017 from Euro494m in the same period in 2016 due to growing insulation sales in Europe. The group also attributed extra working days in the period and favourable exchange rate swings. Its earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 3.6% to Euro86m from Euro83m. The company’s insulation segment sales grew due to the market in both Western and Eastern Europe. Its earnings held up in North America due to sales growth, increased prices and better utilisation at a plant in the US.