Komatsu Ltd's consolidated net sales for the six months ended September 30, 2007 was JPY1,080 billion (USD9.533 billion), 21.6% higher than the JPY888.5 billion (USD7.843 billion) of the previous corresponding period.

Consolidated net sales of industrial machinery, vehicles and other operations jumped 10.6% to JPY165.6 billion (USD1.462 billion) from 2006's corresponding period.

The growth, Komatsu says, reflected expanded sales of large presses and higher forklift sales by Komatsu Utility Co Ltd.

Komatsu strengthened its forklift sales and service capabilities in fast-growth markets like Asia and the Middle East, implemented "aggressive sales" of electric forklifts and launched a hybrid battery model in Japan during the six months in review.

Demand for Komatsu's construction and mining equipment declined in Japan and the Americas but grew substantially in Europe, China, Asia and Oceania. Infrastructure development in the Middle East and resource development in Africa contributed to growth in those areas.