An artist's impression of the new centre.

Manitou BF is meeting its objective to double turnover by investing EUR23 million (USD27.6 million) to build a new spare parts distribution centre.

The Ancenis-headquartered group plans to start building the centre on a 13-hectare site close to the Ancenis motorway in April.

The centre will comprise two buildings, 22,000 square metres of warehouse space and a covered 5,500 square metre concourse. After 2010, the warehouse space could be extended by 6,000 square metres.

Manitou BF posted a turnover of EUR988.2 million (USD1.2 billion) for 2005. Spare parts activity turnover was EUR106.7 million (USD128.3 million). It aims to double turnover by 2014.