South Africa-based Caterpillar dealership Barloworld, posted strong results in its 2011 fiscal first quarter ended Dec. 31, 2010, with its order book reaching 4 million rand (about U.S. $565,000).

Results at Barloworld’s key South African equipment unit, which sells Caterpillar capital equipment, improved significantly, the company said, compared with the fiscal first quarter of 2010, as a result of improved mining and after sale activity. Activity levels in Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia were strong, but Angola continued soft. The South African construction environment remained weak, and the company expects the softness to continue deep into 2011.

Barloworld also has an automotive division. The company is based in Johannesburg.