Manitex supplies equipment to the military

Sales have dropped, but Manitex International Inc says a US government agency has ordered Liftking military container handling forklifts valued at USD2 million.

In addition, Manitex reports orders worth USD5 million for commercial boom truck cranes for the owner-operated and rental markets.

Manitex expects to ship the equipment fulfilling the new orders before the end of 2009.

Manitex reports a drop in sales to USD14 million from last year's USD23.5 million for the first quarter ended March 31. Profit was USD61,000 in the latest quarter versus USD511,000 for the comparable 2008 period.

"Manitex Liftking container handling forklifts possess innovative features that meet strict military standards and perform in almost any terrain," says Bob Litchev, senior vice president. "This repeat order features custom-built specifications and demonstrates the military's continued acceptance of, and commitment to, Liftking's high-quality products."

Prior to shipment, Manitex says it tests each Liftking military machine "on a military-approved endurance track located adjacent to Liftking's military vehicle manufacturing plant. There are a limited number of test tracks in North America and having a military approved test track is an advantage."

Manitex manufactures rough terrain forklifts, mission-oriented vehicles and specialised carriers in an 85,000 sqft (7,650 sqm) leased facility in Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada; boom cranes, sign cranes and trolley boom unloaders in an 188,000 sqft (16,920 sqm) leased plant in Georgetown, Texas; and indoor forklifts in an 86,000 sqft (7,740 sqm) leased Bridgeview, Illinois site that also houses the publicly traded company's executive offices and operations of its crane distribution business.