Oshkosh Corp reports its access equipment segment - mostly under the JLG brand - increased sales to external customers by 30.4% year-on-year to USD290.6 million for the first quarter ended 31 December.

Market drivers for the increase included replacement of aged equipment in North America, economic growth, increased product adoption in emerging markets and higher military telehandler demand.

While external volume improved, "North American sales (for access equipment) remained significantly lower than historical levels due to weak construction markets and tight credit", the corporation reports.

In addition to external customers, access equipment segment sales in the quarter included USD36.7 million of inter-segment sales to the Oshkosh defense segment for the mine-resistant, ambush-protected, all-terrain vehicle. The prior-year first quarter had USD530.8 million of comparable intersegment sales. Oshkosh has completed initial production requirements for the military vehicle.

Oshkosh reports that it took charges of USD11.3 million associated with plans for cost reduction actions in Europe and anticipates incurring additional charges of USD2 million to USD7 million through September 2011 in connection with the plans for cost reduction actions in Europe. Specific details were not provided.

Company-wide, Oshkosh had profit of USD99.6 million on sales of USD1.70 billion for the first quarter versus profit of USD172.5 million from continuing operations on sales of USD2.43 billion.