Terex Corp., Westport, Conn., announced fourth quarter net sales of $1.957 billion, a year-over-year increase of 47.5 percent from $1.327 billion in the fourth quarter of 2010. Excluding the impact of the acquisition of Demag Cranes AG, net sales increased about 20 percent year-over-year. Income from operations was $32.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, an improvement of $32.5 million as compared with a loss from operations of $0.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Income for full-year 2011 from continuing operations was $38.8 million, or $0.35 per share, on net sales of $6.505 billion for the full year 2011, as compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $215.5 million, or $1.98 per share, on net sales of $4.418 billion for the full-year 2010.

“During 2011, we made significant investments and improvements and implemented actions to set us on a course toward improved profitability in 2012 and beyond,” said Ron DeFeo, Terex chairman and CEO. “We have seen further recovery in many of our end markets as utilization rates improve and existing fleets age. This is consistent with an overall improving construction and economic environment. Emerging economies continue to grow most rapidly, along with solid performance in North America. This has helped offset some of the continuing weakness in several European markets.”

Terex said its aerial work platforms (AWP) business saw a strong demand and a growing backlog from a more diverse mix of customers. The company said more than half of its North American net sales for aerials came from smaller independent rental customers in the fourth quarter of 2011.

The company said the construction segment continues to be its most challenging segment due to weak demands for roadbuilding equipment and a weak construction market.