Bronto division maintains orders in Q4 but margin falls

The Fire Rescue division of Federal Signal, which includes Bronto Skylift reported a small increase in orders in the forth quarter of 2010 compared to 2009.

Orders increased by $2.8 million to $28.6 million in the fourth quarter, which was primarily attributed to an increase in the industrial market. Net sales decreased $24.6 million in the fourth quarter compared to the respective previous year period as a result of lower volumes and an unfavourable currency impact of $2.6 million.

Exchange rates also had an unfavourable impact on operating income (down $5.3 million) - also due to lower volumes - and on operating margin (down 4%) also due to lower gross profit margin but partially offset by cost reduction activities.