New spare parts centre for Manitou.

Manitou BF expects its spare parts activity to double by 2014.

The rough-terrain specialist's EUR23 million (USD32.6 million) spare parts centre that opened on 1 June will contribute to the growth of its spare parts activity, Manitou spokesman Damien Cocton says. Turnover for Manitou's spare parts activity in 2006 was EUR120 million (USD169.9 million).

"It represents the most important investment in the last two years." The 22,000 square metre (236,806 square foot) centre holds 60,000 parts units worth EUR20 million (USD28.3 million) (Forkliftaction.com News #251).

In 2006, 53% of Manitou's total turnover came from the construction sector, 24% from the industrial sector and 23% from the agricultural sector.

The bulk of its market is concentrated in Europe - Western Europe (43.2%), France (37.5%), other European countries (7.2%) and other countries (12.1%)

This year, Manitou has added around 25 new dealers to its global sales network. Its total turnover for 2005 was EUR985 million (USD1,395 million) and EUR1,128 million (USD1,597 million) for 2006. The company estimates turnover for 2007 to reach EUR1,300 million (USD1,840 million).