A Manitou rough-terrain forklift.

Manitou North America of Waco, Texas has signed an agreement with software solutions provider SmartEquip for its web-based aftermarket services to boost support for its forklift customers. Manitou NA president Serge Bosche told AED newsletter SmartEquip was selected after "rigorous analysis" of the company's technology and capabilities to provide a beneficial solution for North American dealers and customers. SmartEquip Parts and Service will be integrated into Manitou NA's Macola software enterprise resource planning system, enabling users to query parts availability and pricing, and to place orders quickly and accurately. Manitou's business systems in the US and Europe will be connected, allowing dealers to view parts availability from other locations in real time, overcoming time zone issues. SmartEquip's venture with Manitou marks the company's entrance into an international market. "In addition to the work we're doing here in North America, we look forward to making our technology available to more European companies," Alexander Schuessler, SmartEquip's CEO said. Manitou NA is part of Ancenis, France-based Manitou Group, a leading manufacturer of all-terrain forklifts. Manitou NA manufactures and distributes masted forklifts, telehandlers, truck-mounted forklifts and masts to customers in the US and Canada.