French telehandler and access equipment makers Manitou and Haulotte have both reported positive full-year sales growth.

Ancenis-headquartered Manitou has reported consolidated revenue of EUR1.131 billion (USD1.501 billion) in financial year 2011, 35% more than the previous year's. Its rough-terrain handling division generated EUR796 million (USD1.056 billion) in revenue, 36% more than the previous year's EUR586 million (USD778 million). The industrial materials handling division posted EUR147 million (USD194.5 million)in revenue, a 19% improvement over 2010. Meanwhile, Manitou's compact equipment division recorded revenue of EUR188 million (USD250 million), 47% higher than the previous year's EUR128 million(USD169 million). Manitou says it expects a 10-15% revenue growth in 2012, with the first six months on the higher end given its current backlog.

L'Horme-based Haulotte Group's consolidated sales grew 23% - from EUR250 million (USD332 million) in 2010 to EUR306.9 million (USD407.5 million) in 2011, with high growth rates in Latin America (77%) and Asia (48%). Haulotte says the strength of the emerging markets and the resumption of investment by major European rental companies should see the group posting double-digit sales growth in 2012. However, to cope with the declining Southern European markets, the group will close its Spanish plant in Santander and transfer production to its other European sites.