JLG Industries Inc improved in its second quarter, which ended on January 31, and is forging ahead despite dark economic and ratings clouds, the company says.

Chairman Bill Lasky said recessions started "as a sprint", but recent times had called for a marathon response. "We are proud of the team for getting through this tough recession," he said on February 25.

JLG posted a profit of USD4.2 million on sales of USD151.3 million for the second quarter, compared to profit of USD1.3 million on sales of USD156.4 million for the second quarter in 2001.

Aerial work platform sales declined to USD79.6 million from USD89.7 million a year earlier. Sales for telehandlers lifted to USD19.4 million from USD18.6 million. Excavator sales fell to USD10.6 million from USD14.6 million.

Mr Lasky said the industry was at the bottom of its economic cycle, and he anticipated better results in JLG's traditionally stronger third and fourth quarters and into the 2004 financial year.