St. Louis-based Emerson reported sales for the first quarter ended Dec. 31, 2007, were $5.6 billion, an increase of 12% over the same period last year. This sales increase included 7% growth in underlying sales and a 5% favorable impact from foreign currency translation.
 
Organic sales growth in the U.S. was 5% and underlying international sales increased 9%, including 16% growth in Asia.
 
Process Management sales grew 18% for the quarter. This included 12% underlying sales growth, a favorable impact of 5% from currency translation and 1% from acquisitions, net of divestitures. Sales were strong globally, driven primarily by increased energy sector demand and increased market penetration.

Industrial Automation sales grew 13% for the quarter. …