Terex, Westport, Conn., announced a net loss from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2010 of $13.1 million, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $99.6 million for the second quarter of last year. Net sales for continuing operations were $1.08 billion in the second quarter of 2010, an increase of 14 percent from $947.3 million in the second quarter of 2009. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, net sales increased about 6 percent from the same period last year.

Contributing to the second quarter 2010 net loss from continuing operations were $11 million in charges for restructuring programs and manufacturing realignment in certain businesses, and $7 million for expected historical foreign duty and related obligations for certain products.

“We have just completed a challenging first half of 2010, but many of our businesses have seen their recent results show improvement off of trough levels experienced during 2009,” said Ron DeFeo, Terex chairman and CEO. “We are cautious, but positive, about our prospects for continued improvement. Backlog in three of our four segments indicate slightly improved near-term prospects. Our factories have returned to more regular work schedules and production output. These improving business conditions are the basis for our cautious optimism about the balance of 2010 and lay the foundation for what we feel will be a positive business environment in 2011 for most of our product categories.”

Tom Riordan, Terex president and chief operating officer, said, “Overall, order activity in most of our product categories increased during the second quarter of 2010 compared with the previous quarter and previous year period. However, as expected, our Cranes segment continued to experience a net sales and backlog decline versus the prior year period. We expect this trend to continue, but moderate during the balance of 2010. A bright spot within the Cranes segment was the improvement in the Terex Port Equipment business. Order inquiries for this business have increased substantially compared to last year and we are seeing the positive impact of restructuring programs take effect.”

Net sales for the Construction segment for the second quarter of 2010 increased $87.2 million, or 45.5 percent, to $279.0 million versus the second quarter of 2009. This change in net sales was driven by a broad-based recovery from trough levels in 2009 in almost every product category and across most regions. A significant increase in sales of material handlers continued globally and the off-highway truck business experienced an increase in order and quotation activities, aided by strong demand from Latin American markets. Compact construction equipment continued to experience good order demand, including increased demand for the compact track loader product in North America and undercarriage components supplied to another major manufacturer. The Roadbuilding business grew about 46 percent in the quarter versus the prior year period, driven by improvements in both the North American and Latin American markets. The concrete mixing truck product line remained challenged, with sales still running approximately 80 percent below the most recent peak levels.

Net sales for the AWP segment for the second quarter of 2010 increased $24.3 million, or 11.7 percent, to $232.4 million versus the second quarter of 2009. Excluding the translation effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes, net sales increased approximately 9 percent. While rental customers in the North American and European markets continued to age their aerial fleets and generally deferred the purchase of new products, selective buying patterns have begun to emerge. In addition, the company said it appears that the de-fleeting of inventory at rental locations has slowed. Developing markets remain a strong growth component for the AWP segment as demand for large booms, light towers and telehandlers continues to steadily improve in markets like South America and Southeast Asia.