Equipment manufacturer JCB is to supply the U.S. Army with more than 1,600 light-capability, rough-terrain forklifts for use around the world.

The contract, one of the largest in company history, is worth $142 million, the company said.

"This order is fantastic news for JCB and a great way to start the New Year, said JCB Chief Executive Officer Graeme Macdonald. "It is the second-highest-value order in the company's history, and I congratulate everyone who has worked to secure this valuable contract in the same year that we mark 40 years of telescopic handler production."

JCB said it will supply its new 527-58M forklift, engineered from JCB's range of commercial Loadall telescopic handlers, for the U.S. Army order.

The 527-58M for the military is 80 inches wide and 78 inches high and has a travel speed of 20 miles per hour. Its maximum lift capacity is more than 5,000 pounds.