A manufacturer of forklifts, Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc, plans to expand its Houston, Texas, manufacturing facilities by more than 40 percent to meet the material handling industry's growing demand for electric products.

MCFA said it expects to break ground at its Houston headquarters, located at 2121 West Sam Houston Parkway North, in the first quarter of 2013. While investment totals or hiring estimates were not immediately available, the company said, its expansion is expected to create additional manufacturing jobs in Houston while engaging the services of local suppliers.

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 will also 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 electric end rider paller trucks and other models, the company said.

"Upon completion of this new addition, MCFA's Houston factory will become the most comprehensive forklift manufacturing facility in North America," said Kent Eudy, vice president of sales and marketing for MCFA. "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."

While Texas has numerous tax incentives available for business expansion and job creation, information on any investment package offered the firm was not available.