Toyota power stacker

Two materials handling and industrial equipment companies have featured in Fortune Magazine's top 50 "World's Most Admired Companies" list.

Caterpillar is listed at 20th (up from 25th in 2007) while Toyota Industry Corporation slipped three places from 28th to 31st. The number one company is Apple.

This is the third year in a row both companies have featured in the top 50 list of Fortune's annual rankings.

The list is compiled by the Hay Group which surveys financial analysts, executives and directors at 358 companies with revenues in excess of USD10 billion. The respondents are asked to rate companies in their own industry on nine key areas from social responsibility to financial soundness.

The global All-Star list is based on a separate vote across 27 industry sectors, in which respondents rank their top 10 firms.

Shankar Basu, president and CEO of Toyota Materials Handling USA, says it is an honour to be admired in such a competitive industry.

"Our team of associates and dealers work diligently to be recognised with such achievement," he says.

The full list can be viewed at www.money.cnn.com.