Lift truck makers Mitsubishi and Nippon Yusoki form joint venture in Japan

Spokesman says the deal will have no impact on the North American market.

By Corinne Kator, Associate Editor -- Modern Materials Handling, 6/5/2008

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Nippon Yusoki (makers of Nichiyu brand lift trucks) have announced plans to merge their lift truck marketing and sales operations in Japan.

The merger, scheduled to take effect in April 2009, will form a new company called Nichiyu MHI Forklift Co., which will be headquartered in Nagaokakyo.

Jeff Rufener, vice president of sales for Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America (MCFA), says the deal will have no impact in North America or anywhere in the Western Hemisphere.

Mitsubishi sells both electric and internal-combustion lift trucks in North America. Nichiyu brand lift trucks are not available in North America.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries became Nippon Yusoki’s largest shareholder last year after raising its 7.7% stake in the company to 20.1%.