After releasing financial results for the first half of 2006, Manitou BF says it plans to accelerate the rate of growth for the second half of the calendar year.

The company's consolidated sales showed a 10.3 per cent improvement from the same period in 2005. Manitou aimed to exceed an initial forecast of 10 per cent growth for financial year ending December 31, 2006.

While sales in France decreased 0.9 per cent from EUR232.4 million (USD295 million) to EUR230.3 million (USD292.3 million) for the first half of 2006, sales in other European Union (EU) countries increased 15.6 per cent, and other regions' sales increased 31.7 per cent.

Growth was "particularly strong" in Germany, Italy, Spain, Benelux and countries outside the EU and the company's order book was full for the next 2.5 months, a Manitou statement said.

Total sales for first half of 2006 were EUR586.2 million (USD744.2 million) compared to 2005's EUR531.3 million (USD674.5 million).