Caterpillar does not manufacture its forklifts independently. Since 1992, Cat® lift trucks have been produced through a global joint venture with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Today, that partnership continues through Mitsubishi Logisnext, which manufactures and distributes Cat lift trucks worldwide under a long‑term strategic agreement with Caterpillar Inc.
The Joint Venture Structure
The relationship began on July 1, 1992, when Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Caterpillar Industrial Inc. formed a joint venture to manufacture and distribute forklifts. This partnership created a group of multinational companies operating under the Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklifts umbrella.
The joint venture operates through several regional entities:
Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc. (MCFA) – Based in Houston, Texas, serving the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Latin America. Founded in 1992, MCFA now operates as Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas following a 2020 rebranding.
Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift Europe B.V. (MCFE) – Based in Almere, the Netherlands, serving Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift Asia Pte Ltd – Serving Asia, Oceania, and South Africa.
Brands Manufactured Under the Joint Venture
The joint venture manufactures and distributes three distinct product lines:
Cat® Lift Trucks – Sold through Caterpillar’s global dealer network
Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks – Sold through Mitsubishi’s distribution channels
Jungheinrich® Warehouse Products – Distributed in select markets
The full Cat lift truck line spans electric, warehouse, and internal combustion forklifts across five forklift classes, with lifting capacities from 3,000 to 36,000 lbs.
2021 Restructuring – A New Strategic Relationship
In February 2021, Caterpillar Industrial Inc. sold its minority shareholder interest in the lift truck business to Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc.. This transaction made Mitsubishi Logisnext the 100% owner of the manufacturing operations.
However, Caterpillar and Mitsubishi Logisnext continue their long‑term global strategic relationship. The Cat lift truck dealer network—spanning more than 600 locations worldwide—continues to provide sales, service, and support for Cat lift trucks. As Caterpillar stated: “Caterpillar is proud of its long‑standing relationship with Mitsubishi Logisnext, and we look forward to continuing our global strategic relationship”.
Mitsubishi Engines in Cat Forklifts
Beyond manufacturing, Mitsubishi supplies diesel engines for many Cat forklift models. Examples include:
Cat Model Mitsubishi Engine Details
DP20-35N3 D04EG 4‑cylinder, 3.3L, 36 kW
P5500D S4S 59 hp, 203 cu in displacement
DP40K S6S 6.0L, 6‑cylinder
DP70 S6S 5.0L, 91 hp
DP100 6D16‑EA 7.545L, 6‑cylinder
2026 Update – Japan Industrial Partners Acquisition
In March 2026, Japan Industrial Partners (JIP) purchased Logisnext Inc. to support growth and long‑term value creation. Today, Logisnext Americas offers one of the widest ranges of material handling, automation, and fleet solutions in the market—with five distinct lift truck and automation brands and dedicated dealer networks throughout the Americas.
Summary
Caterpillar Mitsubishi forklifts are the result of a decades‑long joint venture between two industrial giants. While Mitsubishi Logisnext now fully owns the manufacturing operations, Caterpillar maintains a strategic relationship that ensures Cat lift trucks continue to be sold and supported through Caterpillar’s global dealer network. Many Cat forklifts also feature Mitsubishi diesel engines, reflecting the deep integration between the two companies. In 2026, the partnership continues to deliver reliable material handling solutions under the Cat, Mitsubishi, and Jungheinrich brands worldwide.