JLG Industries Inc continues to focus on improving manufacturing margins as it positions itself for the forklift industry's promised upturn.

JLG reported, in its financial report for its first quarter ended October 31, profit of USD329,000 on sales of USD160.5 million, compared to a loss of USD112.1 million on sales of USD156.2 million in the first quarter of 2001, which was blamed on accountancy changes.

Revenue from mobile aerial work platforms decreased to USD91.3 million from USD102.4 million in last year's comparable quarter. The drop reflected economic pressures in North America and Europe, but the Asia/Pacific region showed a 23 percent gain, the report said.

Revenue from telehandlers jumped to USD27.6 million from USD14.1 million. JLG said new products, such as the all-wheel steer and European-design telehandler families, accounted for the gain.

"Telehandlers offer a strong growth opportunity for JLG, both in North America and Europe, and, as the average age of aerial equipment in rental fleets rises, so too does the opportunity for fleet refreshment," said JLG chairman Bill Lasky.

The report said worldwide after-sales service and support revenues increased 41 percent to USD29.8 million, compared to the first quarter of 2001. Stronger parts and service revenues, and more sales of used equipment, led the category.

"With few positive signs of recovery on the horizon, we now expect full-year sales to be similar to last year. Overall, we expect weaker aerial work platform sales offset by higher sales of telehandler products, service and support and used equipment," Mr Lasky said.