Komatsu’s net sales increased 6.4% to US$4.2 billion, while profit in the quarter also rose 5.5% to $US327.5 million.

Construction equipment sales in North America, South America and Europe are believed to have offset declines in Japan and China for Q3 2014/15.

Sales in North America rose 12.7% to $2 billion, despite lower demand for equipment in the energy sector due to the recent steep decline in oil prices.

In its consolidated business results for nine months of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015, Komatsu also reported slightly increased sales from the corresponding period a year ago, supported by firm demand for construction equipment in China.

“Both sales and segment profit improved from the corresponding period a year ago, supported by steady sales of presses and other forging machines centering on the automobile manufacturing industry,” the company said.