Boom truck demand from the energy and power line construction sectors drove Manitex International Inc sales growth for the third quarter ended 30 September.

Customers in the sectors want equipment with higher tonnage and higher reach capabilities.

The Bridgeview-based manufacturer and distributor reports profit of USD2.5 million on sales of USD53.4 million, compared to profit of USD1 million on sales of USD36.9 million in the prior year's quarter.

"We expect sales for 2012 to be slightly greater than USD200 million, which would represent 40% growth over last year," David Langevin, chairman and chief executive officer, says. He projects full-year growth of 175% for earnings per share and 65% for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

"These increases, particularly when considering our macro-economic environment remains cautious, would represent clear execution of our long-term operating and strategic objectives, and give us confidence for continued growth moving forward into 2013," Langevin says.

A consolidated backlog of USD125.8 million, as of 30 September, represents a 50% year-to-date increase and is 99% higher than the comparable backlog a year earlier.

The company's Manitex Inc subsidiary builds boom trucks and sign cranes in an 188,000-sqft. (17,465-sqm) leased facility in Georgetown, Texas. Other Manitex International product lines include reach stackers and associated container handling equipment, rough terrain forklifts, indoor electric forklifts and special-mission-oriented vehicles.

Forbes magazine's 2012 ranking of America's best small companies places publicly traded Manitex 44th. The ranking mentions Manitex sales of USD169 million for the year ended 30 June, sales growth of 16%, earnings-per-share growth of 17% and return on equity of 7%.