03/09/2012 (Bernama) - Pansar Bhd expects promising sales of its new machines for the palm oil industry, said its marine and industrial division manager, Ting Lick Fuat.

"We are also optimistic as the government is keen to mechanise the industry in its efforts to reduce dependency on foreign labour," he told a media briefing here today.

He said the key selling point of the machines -- mini Yanmar Excavator Vio 40, Yanmar All-Terrain Carrier and the Sonalika Worldtrac tractor -- was their compactness.

"They are now available in the state but we will introduce them to the rest of the country gradually," he said.

Ting said the excavator, because of its size and capacity, was suitable for off-road and chores within plantations such as digging irrigation canals.