A Rocla electric reach truck.

Sales of Rocla forklifts continued to grow in excess of market growth, with the Finnish group's forklift segment posting net sales of EUR41.8 million in the first half of 2005, a company statement said.

Growth was attributed to new models, active sales efforts in Rocla's distribution network and the opening of new markets.

Deliveries to North America also contributed to strengthening overall growth in the first half of 2005, the statement said.

Meanwhile, the forklift and automated guided vehicle (AGV) manufacturer concluded its biggest single truck service contract at the end of the second quarter.

Oy Hartwell Ab's Lahti plant outsourced its 150 warehouse and counterbalance trucks and 31 AGVs to Rocla.