Fourth quarter sales for Terex Corp's aerial work platforms segment jumped 66.3% to USD340.6 million from USD204.8 million in the comparable 2009 period.

The quarter ended on 31 December.

Ronald M DeFeo, Terex chairman and chief executive officer, says: "The foundation of a business recovery has become visible to us, although we are in the early stages.. As anticipated, we see improved demand in our early cycle product categories of aerial work platforms and materials processing."

For the full year, the Terex aerial work platforms segment had 2010 sales of USD1.07 billion, compared with 2009 sales of USD838.1 million.

Terex says the North American market for aerial work platforms continued its recovery with increased capital expenditures from rental companies. The segment's Latin American business experienced a positive quarter, driven by increased sales of booms and telehandlers to Brazil and other markets.

The sale of a portion of the segment's utility rental fleet contributed to the increased net sales in the quarter.

The segment's operating profit in the quarter was USD11.7 million, or 3.4% of net sales, compared to an operating loss of USD32.6 million, or 15.9% of net sales, incurred during the fourth quarter of 2009.

The segment's backlog increased about 96% and 12%, compared to 31 December 2009 and 30 September 2010, respectively.

In aspects of the aerial work platforms market, Terex competes primarily with brands from Oshkosh Corp, Haulotte Group SA, Linamar Corp, Tanfield Group plc, and Toyota's Aichi Lift Equipment Co.

Companywide, Westport-based Terex reported a loss from continuing operations of USD215.5 million on 2010 sales of USD4.42 billion. In 2009, Terex had a loss from continuing operations of USD407.5 million on sales of USD3.86 billion.