Aerial equipment manufacturer Haulotte Group produced consolidated sales of €72.1 million (about U.S. $104.1 million) in the first quarter of 2011, compared with €47.8 million for the same period last year, an increase of 50.8 percent. Equipment sales rose 75.5 percent, representing 67 percent of total revenue.
Service activities and rental business jumped 17.6 percent and 14.8 percent respectively compared to the first quarter of 2010.
Sales in Europe jumped 52 percent, with stronger growth in northern Europe. Asia leapt 92 percent, driven by the dynamics of the Australian market. Latin America, particularly supported by the Brazilian market, grew 76 percent, with North America climbing 16 percent as key rental customers have begun investing in their fleets.
First-quarter improvement is in line with the growth momentum seen in the second half of 2010, with the backlog continuing to build. The Haulotte Group expects to break even in 2011, focusing its resources on increasing production plans and maintaining its margins.
Haulotte is based in Paris, with U.S. headquarters in Archbold, Ohio.
