Komatsu's forklift business declined in 2011 compared to 2010.

Komatsu Ltd reports that its consolidated net sales grew 11.3% for the nine months to 31 December 2011, while operating income increased 17.9%. However, the manufacturer's forklift business was down 7% from the corresponding period in 2010.

While construction, mining and utility equipment "declined sharply" in China from the corresponding period in 2010, sales of the equipment grew in other markets.

During the third quarter of 2011, the Japanese currency appreciated more against major currencies. Komatsu advanced sales and profits of the construction, mining and utility equipment business by adapting its prices to accommodate the changing exchange rate, material price increases and other expenses. The company also cut production and other costs.

Komatsu spokesman Ted Takahashi tells Forkliftaction.com News that the equipment manufacturer quickly recovered from the adverse effects of the earthquake of March 2011, resuming full production a month after the disaster.

Leading Japanese forklift manufacturer Toyota Material Handling resumed full production in Japan in November 2011 and in Thailand in December 2011.

"Our production has been affected by both the earthquake and the Thai flood last year," says Toyota spokesman Shiori Hashimoto.

Hashimoto adds that despite the natural disasters, sales growth in China and India was strong in 2011. "We are making effort to expand our sales in the US and emerging markets in 2012."