UPDATE 1-Cargotec Q1 profit slides, outlook gloomy, cuts jobs

* Q1 operating profit 15 mln euros, vs forecast for 17 mln

* Order intake weak, misses all forecasts

* Sees sales at Hiab, Kalmar units clearly weaker in 2009

(Adds detail, quotes)

HELSINKI, April 28 (Reuters) - Cargo handling equipment maker Cargotec (CGCBV.HE) reported a two thirds drop in January-March profit and order intake due to withering demand, and forecast weak sales in 2009 for two of its three businesses.

Cargotec also said on Tuesday it would reorganise its Hiab and Kalmar businesses, aiming to save 15 million euros ($19.5 million) by the end of the year at a cost of 25 million including 350 job cuts.

"The economic situation and investment activity continue to be uncertain, which makes it difficult to estimate demand," the firm said in a statement on Tuesday. "This is further complicated by possible order postponements and cancellations."

Cargotec's core operating profit slid to 15 million euros from 44 million last year, a touch below the mean forecast of 17 million in a Reuters poll of ten analysts.

Order intake plunged 61 percent to 456 million euros, hammered by the recession and missing all forecasts in the poll.

The firm said it saw sales at its Hiab load handling and Kalmar container and heavy duty handling units clearly weaker in 2009, while sales at its MacGregor division, which makes marine cargo handling equipment, were expected to rise. (Editing by Dan Lalor) ($1 = 0.7683 euro)