Terex’s crane segment saw net sales decrease $187.5m to $461.4m against the first quarter of 2008. The company said rough terrain and tower crane sales during the first quarter of 2009 were at levels “substantially below” sales volumes achieved during the first quarter of 2008, as commercial construction projects were postponed or halted and oil-related energy demand for rough terrain cranes slowed. It added high capacity crawler and all-terrain cranes continue to be needed for infrastructure projects and energy related projects such as wind power and power plant construction.
The cranes segment backlog decreased 41.1% when compared to 31 March, 2008 levels, and decreased 32.6% as compared to 31 December, 2008. Terex again said demand for high capacity cranes, including crawler cranes and all-terrain cranes, remains stable as infrastructure and energy related projects use these high capacity cranes. Rough terrain and tower crane demand has slowed and demand for smaller capacity cranes remains weak. Existing orders continue to be re-affirmed and a financing programme for cranes through Terex Financial Services was recently launched and has helped solidify backlog, the company said.
