-- Rocla Oyj and Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift Europe BV (MCFE) have reached an agreement which will see Rocla distributing Caterpillar forklifts in Finland, Estonia and Russia from January.

Rocla's Danish subsidiary, Rocla A/S, has reached a similar agreement to represent Caterpillar in Denmark.

MCFE is a a joint venture between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Ltd, Japan and Caterpillar Industrial Inc, USA. Caterpillar is the world's largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and gas engines and industrial gas turbines. MCFE produces and markets Caterpillar forklifts in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Rocla warehouse trucks general manager Jukka Suotsalo said the Caterpillar forklifts would expand and complement Rocla's full-service forklift line, particularly in the heavy forklift range up to 15 tonnes.

Rocla is Europe's fifth-largest warehouse truck manufacturer. Rocla listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange in 1997, and expects almost 90 million euros (USD81.27 million) in sales this year. Rocla's largest market is Western Europe, where the group has an extensive dealer network.

MCFE was established in 1992 to serve customers in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Based in Almera, The Netherlands, MCFE has more than 65 dealers and distributors in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The main brands are Caterpillar and Mitsubishi forklifts.