Komatsu, the fourth-largest volume forklift dealer in the world, is the heart of the CIT line. In 1987, the manufacturer became the first Japanese lift-truck maker to build trucks in the U.S. In early 1996, the company opened its newest plant in Covington, Georgia, only 3½ hours from CIT. Lower operating expenses lure many customers to Komatsu. The cost to operate a Komatsu lift truck - based on the machine's capabilities, time in use and lower maintenance costs - is less than competetive models. Most CIT customers have found maintenance costs alone to be 20% to 25% lower than comparable brands. With lifting capabilities from 2,000 to 88,000 pounds, Komatsu models are known for operator comfort. They come in gasoline, LP, diesel and electric versions. Carolina Industrial Trucks carries all major lift trucks, forklifts, reach trucks, and related material handling equipment manufactured by Komatsu. CIT's inventory of new trucks is enormous.