The Thai forklift market is expected to grow 21 per cent to 2,800 units this year, the Bangkok Post reported.

Phornthep Phornprapha, president of Bangkok Motor Works Co, Komatsu's authorised distributor in Thailand, said sales of Komatsu forklifts were targeted at 550 units this year.

Last year, Komatsu sold 453 units in Thailand, 19 per cent of the total 2,318 units sold. Targeted sales will raise its market share to 20 per cent.

Phornprapha said direct sales would be applied to reach more customers. The service team would also go on-site as an after-sales service for customers.

Bangkok Motor Works, part of Siam Motors Group, offers 13 models of Komatsu forklifts, ranging from one tonne to 43 tonnes, with logistics and factory operators being key customers.

Komatsu forklifts are the second best-sellers in Thailand after Toyotas.