market would have grown 8.4% versus the prior-year period. The increase in net sales when excluding the estimated UAW strike impact was primarily the result of new project start-ups, strong order volumes and the prior-year impact of customer supply chain challenges.
Construction & Access
MEC manufactures components and sub-assemblies for the construction & access market including fenders, hoods, supports, frames, platforms, frame structures, doors and tubular products such as exhaust & aftertreatment, engine components, cooling system components, handrails and full electro-mechanical assemblies.
Net sales to the construction & access market were $25.9 million in the fourth quarter 2023, an increase of 1.7% versus the prior-year period. The increase in sales was primarily due to increased volumes for construction customers resulting from public infrastructure and non-residential construction demand.
Powersports
MEC manufactures stampings and complex metal assemblies and coatings for the marine propulsion, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), multi-utility vehicles (MUV) and motorcycle markets. MEC’s powersports expertise includes axle housings, steering columns, swing arms, fenders, suspension components, ATV/MUV racks, cowl assemblies and vehicle frames.
Net sales to the powersports market were $24.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, an increase of 27.7% versus the prior-year period. The increase in sales was the result of higher volumes from new project wins, share gains from both new and existing customers, and the prior-year impact of customer supply chain challenges.
Agriculture
MEC is an integral partner in the supply chain of the world’s leading agriculture OEMs manufacturing components and sub-assemblies including fenders, hoods, supports, frames, platforms, frame structures, doors, and tubular products such as exhaust, engine components, cooling system components, handrails and full electro-mechanical assemblies.
Net sales to the agriculture market were $14.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, an increase of 15.2% versus the prior-year period. The increase in sales was mostly driven by market share gains which were slightly offset by demand softness in our legacy business.
Military
MEC holds the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) certification and produces components for the United States military. Products include exhaust, engine components, cooling, fuel, suspension, structural systems, and chemical agent resistant coating (CARC) painting capabilities.
Net sales to the military market were $8.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, an increase of 12.9% versus the prior-year period. Contributions from new programs, new vehicle introductions and demand associated with the conflict in Ukraine, contributed to the year-over-year sales growth.
Other
MEC also produces a wide variety of components and assemblies for customers in the power generation, industrial equipment & fixtures, consumer tools, mining, forestry, automotive, and medical markets.
Net sales to other end markets for the fourth quarter 2023 were $22.2 million, an increase of 116.5% year-over-year. The increase is primarily attributable to MSA-related contributions, which was acquired on July 1, 2023. Legacy net sales to this end market category increased 20.8% year-over-year, primarily due to the launch of new customer projects.