Mitsubishi Caterpillar Expands Houston Manufacturing Facilities

Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc. (MCFA), a manufacturer of forklifts under the Cat lift trucks, Mitsubishi forklift trucks and Jungheinrich brands, recently broke ground to begin the expansion of its Houston-headquarters manufacturing facilities. The multi-million-dollar expansion will increase the under-roof production capacity at MCFA’s world-class facility by more than 40 percent.

The additional manufacturing space will allow for the increased production and assembly of all electric and internal combustion forklifts built in Houston. The growth also will support future production of the newly introduced Jungheinrich ECR 327/336 series of electric end rider pallet trucks in addition to other energy-efficient electric lift trucks in the future.

On  Feb. 28, the company celebrated the planned expansion with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by all employees. Leading the groundbreaking was MCFA’s VP of operations Jay Gusler and incoming president Ken Barina. MCFA expects to complete the project, located at 2121 West Sam Houston Parkway North in Houston, Texas, in the third quarter of 2013.

“MCFA is excited about this expansion because it will allow us to offer our customers a product line built in Houston that covers all five classes of forklifts,” says Gusler. “In addition, we’ll be able to increase our production and assembly personnel, while contributing to the U.S. economy by engaging the services of local suppliers.”

Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift Acquires Daily Equipment

Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc. (MCFA), a manufacturer of forklifts under the Cat lift trucks, Mitsubishi forklift trucks and Jungheinrich brands, and Daily Equipment Co. (DEC) have announced that DEC has been sold to MCFA in a succession planning step for DEC’s principle shareholder, Emmerson Daily. The acquisition price was not disclosed.

“The acquisition of Daily Equipment Co. was an excellent investment opportunity that will help strengthen MCFA’s distribution network and further expand MCFA’s dealership holdings in important markets,” says Kent Eudy, VP of sales and marketing, MCFA. “DEC has a long history of providing world-class customer service and operational excellence, and these strengths will continue to serve as key advantages for MCFA’s business and customers in the future.” 

DEC is headquartered in Jackson, Miss., and has five other full-service branches throughout Mississippi and Louisiana: Biloxi, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport and Lake Charles.

The company will continue to operate as Daily Equipment Co., with no changes in leadership, staff or support. As part of the transaction, Daily will be resigning its representation of the Crown brand in favor of the Cat lift trucks, Mitsubishi forklift trucks and Jungheinrich brands manufactured and distributed by MCFA.

MCFA to Expand Houston Manufacturing Facilities

Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc. (MCFA), a manufacturer of forklifts under the Cat lift trucks, Mitsubishi forklift trucks and Jungheinrich brands, is expanding its Houston manufacturing facilities.

The planned expansion will increase the under-roof production capacity at MCFA’s facility by more than 40 percent. The additional space will allow for increased production and assembly for all electric and internal combustion forklifts built in Houston.

With the introduction of this new facility, MCFA also will expand its manufacturing to include production of Cat lift trucks and Mitsubishi forklift trucks 6-16 ton internal combustion models to meet the demand of customers’ globally. The growth also will support future production of the newly introduced Jungheinrich ECR 327/336 series of electric end rider pallet trucks in addition to future products.

MCFA expects to break ground at its Houston headquarters, located at 2121 West Sam Houston Parkway North, in the first quarter of 2013. The expansion also is expected to create additional manufacturing jobs in Houston, while engaging the services of local suppliers.

Conflict Management, Resolution Taught to Houston Students

Five Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc. (MCFA) employees recently presented a lecture on understanding, managing and resolving conflict to more than 250 students at Harmony Science Academy in Katy, Texas. The presentation was part of the school’s College Readiness and Leadership Program, which is made up of more than 400 students ranging from kindergarten through eighth grade. It is meant to increase interest in science and math so that more U.S. students will consider a career in engineering.

The MCFA employees drew from their real-world experiences to teach students the various aspects of conflict management, including different approaches and resolution techniques. Interactive activities involving conflict management case studies were presented to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Harmony Science Academy emphasizes the importance of math, science and technology and is committed to equipping students for future college and career success.

Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Names President

After more than two years as president of Houston-based Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc. (MCFA), Shigeru Tanemura returned to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (MHI) General Machinery and Special Vehicle headquarters in a new role as part of the global forklift business team in Sagamihara, Japan. Hiroshi Nagai was named as president.

Nagai served as senior general manager of the General Machinery and Special Vehicle Headquarters at MHI in Sagamihara, Japan. He has been with MHI and affiliated companies since 1979 and has more than 23 years of experience in the forklift industry. Nagai is intimately familiar with MCFA, as he previously served as general manager for MCFA’s manufacturing department from 2001 to 2004.