Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc., Houston, Texas, announced plans to expand its Houston manufacturing facilities in order to meet the material handling industry’s growing demand for electric products.

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

MCFA will also expand its manufacturing to include production of Cat lift trucks and Mitsubishi forklift trucks 6-16 ton internal combustion models. The growth will also support future production of the newly introduced Jungheinrich ECR 327/336 Series of electric and end-rider pallet trucks.

“Upon completion of this new addition, MCFA’s Houston factory will become the most comprehensive forklift manufacturing facility in North America,” says Kent Eudy, vice president of sales and marketing. “We plan to build all five classes of products right here in Houston, giving us greater flexibility to respond to the needs of our customers and dealer network.”

MCFA expects to break ground at its Houston headquarters, located at 2121 W. Sam Houston Parkway North, in the first quarter of 2013.