Orders up 36% in 2011 for Bronto

Orders in the Fire Rescue Division of Federal Signal, which includes Bronto Skylift, remained the same in the final quarter of 2011 as they were in 2010, however, across the full year they rose 36% to $137.6million.

Conversely sales in the final quarter rose 5% to $41.4 million but increased less than 1% across the year. The sales increase towards the end of 2011 was said to come as the result of increased demand in Asia and Australia, but was partially offset by weaker demand in Europe.

Backlog at year end was up nearly 40% to $80.1million.

Across the whole group Federal Signal's sales increased 10% over the year with a 20% hike in the final quarter. Orders in the final quarter rose a massive 87% (to $349million)compared to 2010.