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Founded in 2023, the Advanced Energy Council was established to represent the companies that produce, implement, and support advanced energy technologies and accessories. The group was formed with the intention of being inclusive of current and future motive energy storage technologies. Value Proposition: Educate, the market, colleagues, standardization for the customer (end user), transparency and trust, share, research (market research, market size, point of use) Center of excellence and expertise - resource for the best knowledge Collective voice of the members to promote innovative energy solutions Membership Types: Manufacturers of Batteries Manufacturers of Chargers and Accessories Equipment OEM's (examples: AMRs/AGVs, Forklifts, Drones, Carts, and Aerial Equipment) Suppliers to Battery Industry Consultants Service Companies Academics Mission: To uplift and promote the safe use and adoption of advanced energy technologies in motive material handling applications. Vision: Advancing sustainable motive material handling energy solutions.
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Toyota Material Handling continues to Drive Industry Awareness Regarding the Importance of Operator Training and Safety Culture with the ‘Every Move Matters’ campaign.COLUMBUS, Ind., June 3, 2025 – Toyota Material Handling, a leading North American material handling manufacturer and solutions provider, is reinforcing its commitment to operational safety by supporting the 12th annual National Forklift Safety Day, which will take place on Tuesday, June 10, in Washington, D.C.Hosted annually by the Industrial Truck Association (ITA), National Forklift Safety Day highlights the critical importance of operator training and responsible forklift use. With approximately 4.5 million forklift operators in the U.S. workforce, Toyota continues to emphasize the need to foster a culture of safety as a cornerstone of operational success.“At Toyota, we understand that a lasting culture of safety is built on sharing knowledge and best practices, which we call yokoten,” said Bret Bruin, Vice President of Toyota Sales for Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA). “Operator training supports our shared responsibility to protect lives and prevent incidents.”Toyota has supported National Forklift Safety since its inception in 2014, when Brett Wood, TMHNA President & CEO and the current ITA Chairman, served on the founding committee. Only the second person in the ITA's 70-year history to be elected twice as Chairman of the Board of Directors, Wood has led pioneering advancements in the industry, emphasizing sustainability, safety, and technological innovation during his more than 35 years in the material handling industry. Wood will speak during the 12th annual event at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday morning.This year, Toyota is championing the theme “Every Move Matters,” which emphasizes how everyday decisions such as checking blind spots, buckling seatbelts and maintaining safe speeds lay the foundation for a safer work environment.Toyota’s commitment to innovation is evident through nearly 30 years of its patented System of Active Stability™ (SAS), a technology that reduces the risk of forklift tip-overs and transformed industry safety standards. Building on that foundation is the Smart Environment Sensor Plus™ (SEnS+), which enhances situational awareness by helping operators detect pedestrians and obstacles in certain environments. SEnS+ features include dynamic zoning, adjustable truck slowdown, and backward movement prevention. Both technologies are integral components of Toyota Assist, a comprehensive suite designed to enhance operability, productivity, and operator awareness.During Wood’s first term as ITA Chairman, he helped develop the association’s inaugural Lifting America: The Economic Impact of Industrial Truck Manufacturers, Distributors and Dealers report. The 2025 edition reveals that the industrial truck sector directly supports 257,500 U.S. jobs. For each of those, 2.8 jobs are created across the broader economy, emphasizing the industry’s widespread influence and its responsibility to lead with a safety-first mindset.Toyota’s customer-first approach reflects its foundational principle of kaizen, or continuous improvement. Through its network of more than 230 dealer locations across North America, Toyota offers free site surveys, expert consultations, and training programs. This focus on education supports the industry’s mission to provide consistent and effective safety training across all sectors.Toyota’s continued support of National Forklift Safety Day reflects its dedication to corporate social responsibility and to helping others carry the load.Learn more about Toyota Material Handling’s safety initiatives at ToyotaForklift.com.About Toyota Material HandlingToyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com.ContactJustin AlbersToyota Material Handling North America812-350-9739Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com
With the integration of Toyota Material Handling and The Raymond Corporation now complete, Toyota Material Handling North America introduces a leadership team to guide North America’s top material handling brands.COLUMBUS, Ind. (April 7, 2025) – Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA) announces the five senior executives who will lead the organization’s next chapter, following the formal integration of Toyota Material Handling and The Raymond Corporation under the unified TMHNA name.The integration, finalized on April 1, unifies two industry-leading brands under the TMHNA banner, enhancing the company’s ability to deliver comprehensive material handling solutions across North America. Both the Toyota and Raymond brands will maintain their unique identities, ensuring continuity and strengthening customer relationships.Brett Wood will continue to serve as TMHNA’s President & CEO, in addition to his current role as Senior Executive Officer for TMHNA’s parent company, Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO).“This is a historic day for our company, customers, dealers, and associates,” Wood said. “This milestone marks a significant step in TMHNA’s long-term strategy to enhance operational efficiency and innovation. Our vision is to continue to lead the material handling industry with solutions for our customers’ evolving challenges. This integration gives us the opportunity to leverage the best people, processes, and products into one unified organization for the benefit of our customers.”These enhancements will improve efficiency, expand production capacity, and reinforce TMHNA’s commitment to kaizen – or continuous improvement. Alongside Wood, TMHNA’s senior leadership team includes: Michael Field, who served as President & CEO of The Raymond Corporation prior to the integration, will now be TMHNA’s Chief Operations Officer. Field, who has over 30 years of experience managing technology companies, will be responsible for engineering, aftermarket, energy storage solutions, automation, telematics, IT, strategic alliances, government affairs, and product planning for both the Toyota and Raymond brands.“By integrating our resources, we’ll accelerate technology and product investments, bringing best-in-class solutions to market faster and driving growth through innovation,” Field said. “We collaborate with our customers to deeply understand wants, needs, and business challenges to deliver solutions that solve real-world problems.” Sam Coles, a native of England, has been appointed as TMHNA’s Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, where he will be responsible for sales, marketing, and pricing for both the Raymond and Toyota brands in North America. Coles has over 35 years of experience in the material handling industry with BT Industries and Toyota, and most recently spent four years as the President of Toyota Material Handling International (TMHI) in Sweden. Coles also previously spent seven years as the Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Toyota Material Handling Europe.“During my time with Toyota, I have traveled the world working with great people, and I feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to join this team in North America,” Coles said. “This integration will help us better serve and manage our customer relationships across brands and ensure that their needs always come first.” Tony Miller becomes TMHNA’s Chief Supply Officer, transitioning out of his most recent role as Toyota Material Handling’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Engineering & Strategic Planning. Miller, who has been with Toyota since 1996 and has over 25 years of experience in engineering and manufacturing, will oversee operations for all TMHNA manufacturing plants, including manufacturing, production engineering, production control, procurement, quality, warranty, and Toyota Production System (TPS) development office.“Manufacturing excellence isn’t just part of our history – it’s the foundation of who we are,” Miller said. “There is a Japanese word – Monozukuri – that perfectly describes my aspiration for our team. Translated, it means ‘manufacturing with pride, skill, and dedication in the pursuit of innovation and perfection.’ This will drive us to relentlessly focus on elevating our manufacturing excellence at every one of our plants.” Mark Taggart, who most recently served as TMHNA’s Chief Financial Officer and the President of Raylease, has been promoted to TMHNA Chief Administration Officer. Taggart will lead TMHNA’s finance, human resources, and legal teams. After beginning his career with Toyota in 1996, Taggart played a key role in establishing Toyota Financial Savings Bank (TFSB) and has held multiple executive roles, including five years as the President & CEO of Toyota Industries Commercial Finance.“Our new TMHNA vision is to be the most innovative, reliable, and trusted partner for material handling and logistics. And our new TMHNA mission is to elevate our people, customers, and communities,” Taggart said. “Every decision we make will be driven by helping our dealers and customers succeed and building sustainable success for decades to come."This integration is rooted in growth, not consolidation. TMHNA is committed to investing in its workforce – which includes over 16,000 associates – and facilities to drive innovation and better serve its customers. Recently, the company has invested $50 million in facility upgrades and advanced equipment at its plants in Greene, New York, and Muscatine, Iowa.Additionally, in 2024, Toyota announced the investment of nearly $100 million to build a new 295,000-square-foot factory at its North American headquarters in Columbus, Indiana. This state-of-the-art factory, set to open in 2026, will produce electric material handling equipment to help reduce product lead times, add manufacturing flexibility, and support the company’s long-term sustainability goals.Today, one in three forklifts sold in North America is either a Toyota or Raymond product, a testament to the company’s industry leadership.“I couldn’t be more excited about the people we have in place to lead our new organization,” Wood said. “All four of these leaders are the very best at what they do, and they are driven by our foundational values of continuous improvement and respect for people. Most importantly, our entire Toyota team will always do what is best for our customers, dealers, and associates. I am confident that our incredible team will help elevate TMHNA to new heights.”Learn more about the Toyota Material Handling North America leadership team here.About Toyota Material Handling North AmericaToyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA), the industry leader in forklift sales, is composed of two main group companies: Toyota Material Handling, Inc. and The Raymond Corporation. One in three forklifts sold in North America is either a Toyota or Raymond product. With nearly 2.5 million square feet of manufacturing space, TMHNA is composed of four manufacturing plant locations: Columbus, Indiana; Greene, New York; Muscatine, Iowa; and East Chicago, Indiana, that produce more than 1,900 forklifts per week. With an annual revenue of over $6 billion, TMHNA has more than 16,000 associates and nearly 300 dealers and solutions and support centers to support Toyota and Raymond customers throughout North America.Contact Justin AlbersToyota Material Handling North America812-350-9739Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com
COLUMBUS, Ind. March 31, 2025 – Toyota Material Handling, a leader in material handling solutions, announced the 15 recipients of its annual President’s Award. Presented at Toyota’s annual dealer meeting in Boca Raton, Florida, this accolade recognizes the top Toyota forklift dealers in North America who excel at the highest level in parts, service, equipment sales, finance, customer satisfaction and overall operations.The winners of the 2024 President’s Award are: Brodie Toyota-Lift, Lawrence, MA Conger Toyota-Lift, Green Bay, WI Hull Toyota Lift, Elkhart, IN ProLift Toyota Material Handling, Louisville, KY Shoppa's Material Handling, Fort Worth, TX Southern States Toyotalift, Tampa, FL The Lilly Company, Memphis, TN Thompson & Johnson Equipment Co., East Syracuse, NY Toyota Lift of Houston, Houston, TX Toyota Material Handling Solutions, Santa Fe Springs, CA Toyota Material Handling Systems, Suwanee, GA Watts Equipment Company, Manteca, CA W. D. Matthews Machinery Co., Auburn, ME Welch Equipment Company, Denver, CO Williams Toyota Lift, East Sparta, OH“The President’s Award is Toyota Material Handling’s highest honor, reserved for those who demonstrate exceptional dedication to customer service and innovative solutions,” said Bill Finerty, Toyota Material Handling President & CEO. “Toyota dealers have a long-standing reputation for exceeding customer expectations, and these dealers represent the gold standard in service, commitment, and excellence.”About Toyota Material HandlingToyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com.ContactCarson Horn, APRThe Communications Group501-515-0849chorn@comgroup.comJustin AlbersToyota Material Handling812-350-9739Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com
Toyota Material Handling MidSouth and Toyota Material Handling Donation to CIM Auction Supports Higher Education Programs at World of ConcreteLAS VEGAS, Jan. 28, 2024 – Toyota Material Handling MidSouth, a full-service dealer for Toyota Material Handling, showcased its dedication to fostering the next generation of industry professionals by donating a 5,000-pound-capacity Toyota Core IC Pneumatic forklift to the Concrete Industry Management’s (CIM) annual charity auction on January 22.The forklift’s winning bid of $40,000 significantly contributed to the auction’s total proceeds of $2.15 million, supporting CIM’s mission to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the concrete industry. Offered at five universities, CIM equips students with technical, communication and management expertise, preparing them for successful careers in a rapidly evolving industry. Proceeds from the auction are used to assist CIM in funding higher education programs that offer degrees in concrete industry management.“Toyota is proud of our dealership, Toyota Material Handling MidSouth, for their commitment to philanthropy and the future development of our industry and workforce,” said Bill Finerty, President and CEO of Toyota Material Handling. “We are extremely proud to partner with MidSouth on this forklift donation. With Toyota’s local and national involvement, we hope to highlight the incredible impact of the Concrete Industry Management’s annual charity auction.”Held during the World of Concrete event, the auction showcased more than 100 items and stands as a testament to the concrete industry's commitment to philanthropy. TMH MidSouth’s donation underscores its alignment with TMHNA’s corporate social responsibility initiatives and Toyota’s core purpose of “helping others carry the load.”“Toyota embodies the belief in supporting local communities and the future of others,” said Nick Edwards, TMH MidSouth Sales Manager. “TMH Midsouth is grateful for the opportunity to support a new generation that shapes the communities and industries we serve.”This donation builds on Toyota’s legacy of giving back. Previously, TMH MidSouth has supported regional non-profit food banks, Goodwill Industries and flood victims of East Tennessee, further solidifying Toyota’s commitment to creating a positive and lasting impact in the communities it serves.By supporting programs like CIM, Toyota reaffirms its commitment to strengthening communities and empowering future professionals and supporting education programs that pave the way for tomorrow’s workforce.Learn more about Toyota Material Handling’s philanthropic initiatives here.About Toyota Material Handling Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com.About Toyota Material Handling MidSouthToyota Material Handling MidSouth is a full-service dealer for Toyota Material Handling North America, the leading forklift manufacturer. With locations across Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, and Alabama, TMH MidSouth delivers comprehensive material handling solutions, including new and pre-owned equipment, rentals, warehouse supplies, and maintenance services. Committed to enhancing efficiency and productivity, TMH MidSouth provides businesses with reliable, innovative solutions backed by the trusted quality and performance of Toyota forklifts. For more information, visit TMHMidsouth.com.ContactJustin AlbersToyota Material Handling812-350-9739Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.comNick EdwardsToyota Material Handling MidSouth865-805-8691nedwards@tmhmidsouth.com
COLUMBUS, Ind., Jan. 16, 2025 – Toyota Material Handling, a North American leader in material handling products and solutions, is expanding its innovative product portfolio with two new offerings: the Integrated Mid & Large Electric Pneumatic Forklifts and a refreshed Core Electric Forklift series. These models deliver superior operational efficiency while enhancing environmental sustainability, reinforcing Toyota’s commitment to its Vision 2030 and its goal to become a carbon-neutral company.“Our two newest products reinforce Toyota’s commitment to environmental stewardship without compromising the efficiency and power of our reliable products,” said Bill Finerty, President and CEO of Toyota Material Handling. “These two new models are impactful in many different applications, meeting the needs of all our customers and harnessing the innovation and power of our electric products.”The Integrated Mid & Large Electric Pneumatic Forklifts are engineered to meet the most demanding heavy-duty applications, particularly in outdoor environments where robust performance is required for transporting heavy loads.With load capacities ranging from 8,000 to 17,500 pounds, Toyota’s electric pneumatic forklifts are versatile across various applications. Each model is equipped with an integrated lithium-ion battery, delivering low maintenance and reduced downtime, and powered by a Toyota-designed electric drive system, these forklifts offer the performance of internal combustion (IC) trucks with the efficiency of electric models.Toyota features AC drive and lift motors for advanced runtime and speed, built to excel in traditional IC environments. Innovative technologies, including a floating cabin and fully electric forklift, provide lower noise levels and reduced vibration, making this forklift model an ideal solution for industries that demand both performance and sustainability.As a testament to Toyota’s culture of Kaizen – or continuous improvement – Toyota launched an enhanced version of its reliable Core Electric Forklift. This compact, four-wheel electric lift truck is designed for a broad range of indoor applications, with a focus on speed, efficiency and operator comfort. Suited for industries such as retail, manufacturing and food handling, the upgraded model supports load capacities of 3,000 to 6,500 pounds.Toyota’s Core Electric Forklift delivers efficient uptime and lower energy consumption to maximize productivity and cost efficiency with improved motors and controllers. Toyota designed the new models to prioritize operator comfort with ergonomic enhancements, including larger storage compartments and USB charging features. Offering increased runtime and 34 customizable options, Toyota’s upgraded forklift provides unmatched versatility and efficiency.Learn more about Toyota and its full line of industry-leading material handling products and solutions here.About Toyota Material Handling Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com.ContactJustin AlbersToyota Material Handling812-350-9739Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com
Two North American leaders in material handling products and solutions will be unified into one company under the name Toyota Material Handling North America to best support their customers.COLUMBUS, Ind. (January 8, 2025) – Toyota Material Handling and The Raymond Corporation – two leading providers of material handling solutions – will formally integrate into one company under the name Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA), effective April 1.TMHNA announced its commitment to maintaining unique brand identities for both Raymond and Toyota in the marketplace, striving to preserve and enhance its customer relationships.Toyota acquired The Raymond Corporation in 2001. This unification will allow TMHNA to leverage the unique strengths of both organizations to be more efficient for the benefit of both Toyota and Raymond customers.The organization will integrate both the Toyota and Raymond president responsibilities into TMHNA, which will be led by President & CEO Brett Wood. Wood, a respected leader in the material handling industry, also serves as a Senior Executive Officer for TMHNA’s parent company Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO).Current Toyota Material Handling President & CEO Bill Finerty will formally retire at the end of March. Michael Field, the current President & CEO of The Raymond Corporation, will become TMHNA’s Chief Operations Officer (COO).“This is a historic day for our company, customers, dealers, and associates,” Wood said. “Our customers’ needs are evolving rapidly, and we must prepare and adapt to an ever-changing market. We have an amazing opportunity to leverage the best people, processes, and products into one unified organization. We want to become the undisputed industry leader in solving our customers’ problems through innovation for decades to come.”This integration will not result in layoffs. In fact, TMHNA plans to invest even more in its people to accelerate growth. One in three forklifts sold in North America is either a Toyota or Raymond product.“Our goal isn’t to reduce our workforce, but rather to bring together the strengths, resources, and talent from throughout our organizations,” said Wood. “Together, we will create a more dynamic, more resilient organization. We will continue to invest in the growth and development of all our associates.”TMHNA builds its products at four main manufacturing plants – in Columbus, Indiana; Greene, New York; Muscatine, Iowa; and East Chicago, Indiana (Toyota Heavy Duty Division). Late last year, the company broke ground on a new 295,000 square-foot factory across the street from its existing North American headquarters in Columbus. The new factory, which will focus specifically on producing electric products to drive down lead times, is scheduled to open in 2026.To optimize manufacturing processes, a $50 million investment to building, infrastructure and equipment elevated operations in Greene, New York, and Muscatine, Iowa manufacturing facilities.“Our customers will always be at the center of our strategy, and ultimately, this integration is about doing what is best for our customers,” Wood said. “As a unified organization, we will deliver the industry’s best products, services, and support – ensuring we meet and exceed our customers’ evolving needs and expectations.” About Toyota Material Handling North AmericaToyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA), the industry leader in forklift sales, is composed of two main group companies: Toyota Material Handling, Inc. and The Raymond Corporation. One in three forklifts sold in North America is either a Toyota or Raymond product. With nearly 2.5 million square feet of manufacturing space, TMHNA is composed of four manufacturing plant locations: Columbus, Indiana; Greene, New York; Muscatine, Iowa; and East Chicago, Indiana, that produce more than 1,900 forklifts per week. With an annual revenue of over $6 billion, TMHNA has more than 16,000 associates and nearly 300 dealers and solutions and support centers to support Toyota and Raymond customers throughout North America.About Toyota Material HandlingToyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization.About The Raymond CorporationThe Raymond Corporation, a member of the Toyota Industries family of companies, is a leading global provider of best-in-class material handling products and intelligent intralogistics solutions with headquarters in Greene, New York. Built on principles of innovation and continuous improvement for over 100 years, Raymond’s integrated automation, telematics, virtual reality and advanced energy solutions provide ways to optimize operations and bring warehouse and distribution operations to a new level of performance. Raymond® electric forklift trucks are engineered to achieve increased productivity and efficiency and are designed to provide ecological and economic benefits. Raymond delivers solutions to material handling and logistics markets in North America and globally. Combining operational excellence, award-winning innovation and world-class global customer support, we work together to run better, manage smarter and keep our customers always on.ContactJustin AlbersToyota Material Handling812-350-9739Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.comElizabeth BuzaThe Raymond Corporation607-343-0845Elizabeth.buza@raymondcorp.com
Kayla Gregory, Paige Johnson, Kelsey Van Scyoc recognized for leadership in their fields and contributions in the supply chainCOLUMBUS, Ind. (November 25, 2024) – Toyota Material Handling, a North American leader in material handling products and solutions, has announced Kayla Gregory, Paige Johnson and Kelsey Van Scyoc are recipients of the 2024 Women in Supply Chain Award. The award, given annually by Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive, honors female supply chain leaders and executives whose accomplishments, mentorship, and actions set a positive example for women at all levels of the supply chain network.“Toyota is proud to develop industry leaders within the material handling and supply chain sectors,” said Bill Finerty, President and CEO of Toyota Material Handling. “We are immensely proud of these women for the work they have accomplished within their careers, the impact they have made at TMH, and for their mentorship that sets an incredible path for additional associates to learn from them.”Gregory, Toyota’s Quality Assurance Manager, is known for her effective leadership and commitment to advancing quality and team development. Her initiatives, including “The Other Team” event, enhances cross-departmental collaboration and efficiency. Gregory’s strategic leadership produced a production relaunch in 2022. Typically, a project launch would take two years, but by building strong collaboration on the team Gregory supported, they were able to launch in six months. Her excellence has been recognized through initiatives such as the Toyota Core Values Award and the Learning & Development Partnership Award, highlighting her commitment to delivering top-quality products and services.Johnson, Toyota Material Handling’s Health, Safety and Sustainability Engineer, has been pivotal in driving Toyota’s sustainability and ESG goals and promoting corporate environmental stewardship, earning Toyota the Indiana Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. Paige has also led numerous workplace health and safety improvements, leading to a Governor’s Workplace Safety Award. Her strategic vision includes embedding sustainability into Toyota's culture and facilitating collaboration across the supply chain to achieve collective ESG goals, making her a standout leader in the industry.Van Scyoc, Procurement Manager at TMH, rose from an intern in Toyota’s Production Control and Logistics department to a full-time associate where she successfully led the "Plan for Every Part" strategy, improving packaging, logistics and supply chain processes. Now, as Procurement Manager, she oversees a team that delivers strong results in cost reduction, supplier selection and development, and procurement strategies. Van Scyoc’s excellence in the supply chain industry was recognized as one of Conexus Indiana’s 30 Under 30.Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive received nearly 350 submissions for this year’s award, which set the publication’s record for any of its award categories. Of that number, 81 were submitted by male counterparts, and 39 women were self-nominated.Learn more about Toyota’s impact on the supply chain industry at ToyotaForklift.com, and explore other career opportunities here.About Toyota Material Handling Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com.About Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain ExecutiveFood Logistics reaches more than 26,000 supply chain executives in the global food and beverage industries, including executives in the food sector (growers, producers, manufacturers, wholesalers and grocers) and the logistics section (transportation, warehousing, distribution, software and technology) who share a mutual interest in the operations and business aspects of the global cold food supply chain. Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the only supply chain publication covering the entire global supply chain, focusing on trucking, warehousing, packaging, procurement, risk management, professional development and more. Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive also operate SCN Summit and Women in Supply Chain Forum. Go to www.FoodLogistics.com and www.SDCExec.ContactJustin AlbersToyota Material Handling812-350-9739Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com
COLUMBUS, Ind. (October 29, 2024) – Toyota Material Handling, a North American leader in material handling solutions, unveiled a significant upgrade to its parts distribution center (PDC) at its Indiana headquarters on October 28, in collaboration with Bastian Solutions, part of Toyota Automated Logistics. This milestone marks Bastian’s 100th AutoStore system installation, underscoring its automation expertise and enhancing Toyota’s capacity to process and deliver parts efficiently. “At Toyota, we will always be driven by what is best for our customers. This AutoStore integration will allow us to deliver parts to customers across North America faster than ever before, ensuring their forklift fleets are up and running when they need them most,” said Bret Bruin, Toyota Material Handling Vice President of Aftermarket Operations. “It’s amazing to see this project come together, in partnership with the teams at Bastian and AutoStore, to eliminate unnecessary waste and add efficiencies for the benefit of our customers.” The AutoStore integrates cutting-edge robotics, automation and artificial intelligence into Toyota’s operations. In alignment with Toyota’s 2050 Vision for sustainability, the AutoStore system operates on rechargeable battery-powered robots, consuming energy only when in motion. The innovative system leverages vertical storage, maximizing unused space within the PDC. While the facility typically stocks an average of 55,000 stock-keeping units (SKUs), the new system dramatically increases storage capacity—from 40,000 to more than 128,000 storage locations—allowing Toyota to house more parts. This contributes to operational cost savings and is indicative of Toyota’s philosophy of Kaizen – or continuous improvement. “Today, we can reach over 80% of our customers with two-day shipping. Our goal is to reach 98% of our customers with next-day ground by 2030,” Bruin said. “This new AutoStore integration and enhanced Parts Distribution Center will play a significant role in helping us achieve that goal.” The AutoStore system minimizes manual labor by utilizing 28 autonomous robots that operate on a grid. These robots retrieve and deliver totes to four picking ports, each capable of processing up to 175 totes per hour. With the ability to fulfill up to 700 orders per hour, the system ensures faster and more accurate order processing. To further enhance operational efficiency, AI-driven software strategically positions high-volume inventory for quicker access and provides real-time visibility, ensuring Toyota Genuine Parts are readily available. The natural slotting system places low-volume parts at the bottom of the grid while keeping high-demand parts easily accessible to expedite order processing time. With the AutoStore system, Toyota ensures reliable order fulfillment, faster turnaround times, and improved customer satisfaction from its industry-leading North American dealer network. “Bastian is proud to support Toyota Material Handling in their efforts to deliver even greater customer service through an innovative, sustainable automation system,” said Aaron Jones, President and CEO of Bastian Solutions. “That focus on continuous improvement and quality solutions is at the heart of everything we do as Toyota group companies, and leveraging an incredible partner such as AutoStore is that final connection to ensure success now and into the future.” While the robots and AI handle repetitive tasks, Toyota's commitment to Jidoka – or automation with human touch – ensures associates to spend their time on more strategic tasks. This allows Toyota to focus on problem solving, innovation and quality control, emphasizing the importance of human insight in driving operational excellence. During Toyota’s ribbon-cutting event at its Indiana headquarters, executives hosted guided tours to give stakeholders an exclusive firsthand look at the cutting-edge innovations and capabilities of the new AutoStore capabilities. Learn more about Toyota Material Handling’s parts distribution innovations at ToyotaForklift.com. About Toyota Material Handling Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com. About Bastian Solutions Bastian Solutions, a Toyota Automated Logistics company, is a trusted supply chain integration partner committed to providing their clients a competitive advantage by designing and delivering world-class distribution and production solutions. The expertise Bastian Solutions delivers includes exceptional results through a proven process of analytical consulting, engineering and design, simulation, project management, and installation services, while sourcing the best material handling equipment and automation technologies available. With innovation at the forefront, the company also develops Exacta supply chain software, conveyor and sortation systems, custom automated material-handling equipment, robotics, autonomous vehicles and robotic shuttles, and state-of-the art industrial controls. Bastian Solutions serves domestic and global markets, covering the United States, Canada, India, Mexico and South America. Contact Justin Albers Toyota Material Handling 812-350-9739 Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com Megan Shore Bastian Solutions 317-575-9992 x1298 mshore@bastiansolutions.com
COLUMBUS, Ind. (July 16, 2024) – Toyota Material Handling and its nationwide network of dealers showcased its commitment to improving their local communities during the company’s annual ‘Lift the Community Day’. Since 2021, Toyota associates have participated in an annual day-long philanthropic event near Toyota’s Columbus, Indiana, headquarters. This year the initiative expanded to include participation from Toyota’s dealers, increasing the impact on communities throughout the U.S. On July 1, 324 Toyota associates completed 2,300 volunteer hours during the event. In addition to the impact on the Columbus community, associates from 10 dealerships and Toyota’s Heavy Duty division participated in their own volunteer efforts, making this a nationwide philanthropic event. “Participating in ‘Lift the Community Day’ is not only important to our associates, but it is important to upholding Toyota’s core values,” said Tracy Stachniak, Toyota Material Handling Vice President of Human Resources. “Our business has the resources and compassion to be a philanthropic leader and make a significant impact not only in our local community but throughout North America. We were eager to expand this event to dealers and look forward to driving further change throughout our communities.” ‘Lift the Community Day’ exemplifies Toyota’s founding principle to contribute to society and ‘help people carry the load’ by promoting a compassionate environment. This year, associates and dealers supported more than 30 local non-profit organizations and programs throughout five Indiana counties and in 11 states across the country. These efforts resulted in an economic impact exceeding $84,685. Corporate social responsibility is central to Toyota’s culture, reflecting the company’s core values: be faithful to duties and create a home-like atmosphere. Toyota fosters numerous community-focused relationships, including corporate partnerships with the American Red Cross, United Way and Anchor House, an Indiana nonprofit providing housing initiatives, employment resources and nutritional assistance. “We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support and dedication of the volunteers from Toyota,” said Grace Kestler, Executive Director of The Arc of Bartholomew County. “Their commitment to our cause has been invaluable, and their contributions have made a significant impact on our efforts. With their expertise and hard work, they played a crucial role in our renovation project. We deeply appreciate the partnership with Toyota and thank them for being an essential part of our mission to support individuals with disabilities, helping us create a more inclusive and brighter future for our community." Toyota provides each associate with paid community service hours to volunteer with various organizations. Throughout the year, Toyota sponsors and organizes volunteer activities on and off its campus. In 2023, Toyota associates donated 11,765 hours to support local organizations, contributing to a total economic impact of $745,721. Learn more about Toyota’s commitment to volunteerism and corporate social responsibility here. About Toyota Material Handling Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide some of the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com. Contact Justin Albers Toyota Material Handling 812-350-9739 Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com
COLUMBUS, Ind. (June 17, 2024) – Toyota Material Handling showcased its steadfast commitment to supporting breast cancer research and treatment by auctioning off a custom pink forklift to its industry-leading dealer network at the company’s annual dealer meeting earlier this year. Toyota donated the entire winning bid of $65,000 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The initiative was driven by the Toyota Women’s Impact Network (T-WIN), a women-led group dedicated to fostering Toyota’s success and inclusivity for women in the workplace. Recognizing the immense potential within Toyota's female workforce, T-WIN spearheaded the creation of the distinctive pink forklift, leveraging the talent and creativity of its members while honoring the women who participated in building the truck. This year’s auction coincided with Women’s History Month, concluding a series of initiatives led by Toyota women throughout the month of March. The pink forklift auction has become a catalyst for Toyota's ongoing philanthropic efforts since the first successful auction in 2022. Once again, each female Toyota associate who contributed to building the forklift added their signature to the truck, symbolizing their support for finding a cure for breast cancer. “Hosting this auction in conjunction with our Women’s History Month initiatives was a wonderful opportunity for Toyota Material Handling to make an impact on breast cancer research and awareness while honoring all those who have been affected,” said Lea Ann King, Vice President of Legal and General Counsel of Toyota Material Handling. “We are so thankful for our incredible dealer network whose participation and support made this auction successful.” During Toyota’s annual dealer meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, leaders from Toyota’s more than 60 North American dealers were presented with the opportunity to bid on the one-of-a-kind 3-Wheel Electric Forklift. After a competitive auction, Shoppa’s Material Handling, a leading Toyota dealership in Dallas, Texas, made the winning bid of $65,000, nearly doubling the amount raised from the previous auction. “We are thrilled to have secured the iconic pink breast cancer awareness forklift from Toyota Material Handling's auction and donate the proceeds to Susan G. Komen foundation,” said Jimmy Shoppa, President of Shoppa’s Material Handling. “Shoppa’s stands in solidarity with those affected by breast cancer and is committed to contributing to a brighter, healthier future for all. We are proud to play our part in this meaningful endeavor." The pink forklift will find its home in Shoppa’s Material Handling’s dealership, where it will serve as a symbol of hope and inspiration for the entire company. In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Shoppa’s Material Handling will host an event showcasing the pink forklift, further spreading awareness, support for the cause, and their partnership with the Komen Foundation. This initiative reaffirms Toyota’s ongoing dedication to positively impacting the community by staying true to its core purpose of ‘helping people carry the load’. Through initiatives like these, Toyota continues to demonstrate its commitment to corporate social responsibility by making a difference in the lives of others. Learn more about Toyota Material Handling’s philanthropic efforts here. About Toyota Material Handling Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com. Contact Justin Albers ?Toyota Material Handling 812-350-9739 Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com
COLUMBUS, Ind. (June 10, 2024) – Toyota Material Handling is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its System of Active Stability™ (SAS), which revolutionized the material handling industry by reducing the likelihood of forklift tip over. Commemorated on the 11th annual National Forklift Safety Day, this milestone calls attention to Toyota’s emphasis on empowering customers to foster a culture of safety. As part of this year’s event, Toyota is sharing educational resources with dealers and forklift operators on innovative technology and forklift safety best practices. National Forklift Safety Day, sponsored by the Industrial Truck Association (ITA), is an annual event that educates customers, policymakers, and government officials about safe forklift use and proper operator training. With approximately 4.5 million forklift operators in the workforce, Toyota continues to emphasize the importance of continual safety education. “Since its inception 11 years ago, National Forklift Safety Day has helped drive more discussion about making and keeping forklift safety a core part of every organization’s culture,” said Cesar Jimenez, Toyota Material Handling Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Product Planning, and Product Assurance. “National Forklift Safety Day helps us reinforce our industry mission and message to provide new and ongoing safety training to forklift operators in all industries.” In addition to SAS, Toyota’s Smart Environment Sensor Plus™ (SEnS+) can assist operators in identifying pedestrians or objects in their path. SEnS+ includes industry-first capabilities, including dynamic zoning, adjustable truck slowdown and backward movement prevention features. These innovative technologies are part of Toyota Assist, a suite of advanced features designed to enhance forklift operability, productivity and situational awareness that are a testament to Toyota’s commitment to promoting safety within the industry. Toyota’s Jimenez and Brett Wood, President & CEO of Toyota Material Handling North America, will play key roles in Tuesday’s event. Wood, currently serving his second term as ITA chair, participated on the committee that established the first National Forklift Safety Day. During his initial tenure, Wood was instrumental in developing the ITA’s economic impact report, Lifting America: The Economic Impact of Industrial Truck Manufacturers, Distributors and Dealers. This report provided the industry with quantifiable statistics, offering valuable insights and emphasizing the importance of safety within the material handling industry. Jimenez, who also has nearly three decades of experience in the industry, has followed in Wood’s footsteps with his appointment as the chair for this year’s National Forklift Safety Day. Jimenez and Wood have been steadfast in their leadership to raise awareness and increase safety standards within the material handling industry. Toyota Material Handling also cultivates a safety-focused culture by offering site surveys, consultations and operator training. By embodying Toyota’s culture of Kaizen – or continuous improvement – and upholding Toyota’s core values, Toyota Material Handling is integral in promoting the vital role industrial trucks perform in manufacturing, warehousing, logistics and distribution. For more resources, visit Toyota Material Handling’s National Forklift Safety Day page at ToyotaForklift.com. About Toyota Material Handling Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com. Contact Justin Albers ?Toyota Material Handling 812-350-9739 Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com
COLUMBUS, Ind. (May 30, 2024) – Toyota Material Handling, the North American leader in material handling solutions, proudly announced a significant expansion to its Columbus, Indiana headquarters during a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday.The company – which first began building forklifts in Columbus in 1990 – is investing nearly $100M for a new 295,000 square-foot manufacturing facility dedicated to producing electric products. This expansion marks another milestone in Toyota’s growth as a company and its longstanding partnership with the state of Indiana, and highlights the organization’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and solving customer problems.“We are excited about this significant strategic expansion to our Columbus campus,” said Tony Miller, Toyota Material Handling Senior Vice President of Engineering, Operations & Strategic Planning. “At Toyota, we will always be driven by what is best for our customers. Electric products are more popular than ever, and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to keep up with increased demand. This new factory will allow us to deliver those electric units to customers faster than we can today.”The project will allow Toyota Material Handling to add 85 new jobs by the start of production in June 2026.“Indiana has made it a strategic priority to cultivate the economy of the future, and we continue to see impact of our work thanks to the partnership of great companies like Toyota,” said Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb, who attended the groundbreaking event on Wednesday. “We’re so grateful to see Toyota continuing to invest heavily in southern Indiana. Toyota’s been a cherished partner and career cultivator to the State for the last 35 years, and we look forward to strengthening our bond even more in the decades to come in and around the Columbus region. Today’s remarkable announcement shows yet again just how important our state’s business friendly environment – focus on long-term success and access to a skilled workforce – is to companies seeking to expand and grow far into the future.”The decision to invest an additional $100 million in a new factory underscores Toyota Material Handling's dedication to advancing sustainable technologies and meeting the evolving needs of its customers. The facility will allow Toyota to leverage cutting-edge manufacturing processes to produce electric products much more quickly than it can today, while meeting the high standard of quality customers expect from Toyota.“Electric forklifts make up 65% of the North American market and this trend towards electrification in the material handling industry will continue to grow,” said Brett Wood, President & CEO of Toyota Material Handling North America and Senior Executive Officer for Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO). “We hope this announcement shows our industry-leading dealer network and our customers that we are a proactive company, not a reactive one. We do not just plan for next week or next year – we’re preparing for the next decade, and this new initiative perfectly represents our commitment to that strategy. This investment is one of the largest in our history and signifies TICO’s commitment to the North American market, the state of Indiana, the city of Columbus, and most importantly, our dealers and our customers.”This is far from the first time Toyota Material Handling has reinvested in its North American headquarters.Since first establishing its presence in Columbus in 1990, Toyota has been a cornerstone of the local community and an integral part of Indiana’s manufacturing landscape. At the time, Toyota Material Handling was split into two separate companies.The sales and marketing arm of the company – formerly Toyota Material Handling U.S.A. (TMHU) – was headquartered in Irvine, California, from 2002 until 2012, when it relocated to Columbus as part of a $4.6M expansion.In 2015, Toyota completed a $16M expansion to add more than 50,000 square feet to its facility, including a two-story office building, a new cafeteria, storm shelter and locker rooms.In 2017, the company opened a state-of-the-art wellness center – the Toyota Recreational Complex (T+Rex) – to provide its employees with more easily accessible health and wellness opportunities right on the Toyota campus. The 35,000 square-foot facility features two basketball courts, an indoor track, an exercise room, a recreation room, and more. The T+Rex facility offers all of the amenities of a modern fitness center including a yoga room, free weights, treadmills and other fitness equipment. It also includes a medical center to provide primary health care, wellness coaching, physical therapy and a pharmacy at no cost to Toyota associates and their families.Later in 2017, Toyota invested another $17.5M to add more than 150,000 square feet to improve internal and external logistics at the facility by consolidating external warehouses to internal storage and distribution on site. The same year, the company also invested $7.3M to acquire the neighboring property and expand its footprint by 200,000 square feet. The acquisition allowed the company to relocate and renovate its aftermarket parts distribution center to provide customers the parts they need more quickly.Including the newest project, Toyota has completed more than 15 total expansions in 34 years, with over $400M in total investments. When the new factory is complete, Toyota’s Columbus footprint will grow to nearly 1.8M square feet – more than six times larger than the 280,000 square-foot facility it opened in 1990.“I’m very pleased to see Toyota continue to grow in the Columbus community, said Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon. “Beginning in 1990 when Toyota built their initial plant in Columbus, we’ve seen the impact the company has had on the area through the high-quality careers they provide, and through the work they’ve done for Columbus and Bartholomew County. Toyota is a wonderful community partner providing financial resources and volunteers to organizations throughout the community. We look forward to this expansion and our continued relationship and partnership with Toyota as we build a prosperous community for all.”Learn more about Toyota, its products, and the company’s growth in Indiana at ToyotaForklift.com.About Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com.ContactJustin AlbersToyota Material Handling812-350-9739Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com
COLUMBUS, Ind. (April 25, 2024) – Toyota Material Handling’s innovative 80V Electric Pneumatic Forklift – designed and built in Europe – was named a 2023 GOOD DESIGN® Award recipient, giving testament to the product’s world-class engineering, aesthetics, durability and performance. This model and the rest of Toyota’s advanced lineup of industry-leading forklifts reflect Toyota’s commitment to prioritizing customer needs, in alignment with the organization’s culture of Kaizen – or continuous improvement. “The Good Design Award not only expands awareness in the design community, but it also highlights the attention to quality, usability, aesthetics and ergonomics in Toyota products around the world,” said Greg Smiley, Toyota Material Handling North America's Head of Design. Recognition for this award-winning product is prompted by its unique and innovative features. The multifunction display system helps enhance efficiency by notifying the operator of battery capacity and operating time warnings while facilitating rapid diagnostics to prevent unplanned downtime. Toyota's innovative System of Active Stability (SAS)™ engages instantly to stabilize the rear axle if the system senses the forklift is in a situation that could lead to instability. The forklift also provides ample comfort for operators with its full-floating cabin and full-suspension seat that helps minimize shock and vibration. Toyota’s Operator Presence Sensing System and the optional seatbelt interlock encourage operators to remain properly seated with the seatbelt buckled. Additionally, the cockpit-style operator compartment allows operators a clear line of sight and minimizes fatigue with its memory-tilt-steering technology, mini-lever controls, an armrest and a low-height dashboard. The electric forklift is strategically engineered in alignment with Toyota’s sustainability initiative. With load capacities ranging from 4,000 to 17,500 pounds, the battery-powered forklift increases efficiency by combining the power and durability of non-electric models with its top-of-the-line AC drive motors, allowing operators a reliable material handling solution for indoor and outdoor environments. In addition, the forklift offers standard speed control and performance modes to allow operators to select power consumption, acceleration and regenerative braking. This contributes to maximized efficiency, performance and operating time. The 80V Electric Pneumatic also extends outdoor lifespan through preventative technology that limits water intrusion and corrosion. Learn more about Toyota Material Handling’s innovative material handling solutions at ToyotaForklift.com. About Toyota Material Handling Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com. Contact Carson Horn, APR The Communications Group 501-515-0849 chorn@comgroup.com Justin Albers Toyota Material Handling 812-350-9739 Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com
COLUMBUS, IN (April 10, 2024) – Mark Taggart, former Toyota Industries Commercial Finance (TICF) President & CEO, assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA) on April 1. Taggart will continue his role as Chairman of Toyota Industries Global Commercial Finance, overseeing TICF. As TMHNA CFO, Taggart will shape the financial strategy of TMHNA’s major group companies – Toyota Material Handling and The Raymond Corporation – from his office in Coppell, Texas. Taggart plans to introduce efficient solutions to propel the company’s fiscal responsibility and success, aligning with Toyota’s culture of kaizen – or continuous improvement. “I am honored to step into this new role and look forward to further aligning the financial goals of TMHNA and all Toyota group companies,” Taggart said. “Through the consolidated resources of TMHNA, our goal is to always put our customers first with the best experience in each phase of the ownership lifecycle. I am excited about the future and look forward to continuing to work together toward our vision of being the most sought-after material handling, logistics, and financial services partner in the industry.” Taggart joined the Toyota group of companies in 1996 and has a proven track record of consistent profitable sales growth, along with a demonstrated commitment to providing outstanding service to dealers and customers. Taggart’s strategic vision has shaped the company’s global footprint with significant milestones. His ability to drive impactful initiatives was displayed in 2005 when he helped drive the establishment of Toyota Financial Savings Bank (TFSB). During an assignment in Japan in 2012, Taggart assumed key leadership roles at Toyota Financial Services Corporation (TFSC), culminating in his promotion to Vice President. In this position, Taggart oversaw sales finance companies in the Asia-Pacific Region. Upon returning to the United States, his oversight was integral in founding Toyota Financial Services International Corporation, TFSC's second global headquarters. Prior to his most recent role at TICF, Taggart served as President and CEO of TFSB. These achievements not only underscore Taggart’s capabilities but position him for success as TMHNA’s CFO. John Crews, TICF General Counsel, Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer, will succeed Taggart as TICF President. “John is a strong leader that is committed to strengthening the great culture of our organization – a culture centered around our purpose, values, mission, and vision,” Taggart said. “John cares deeply about the associates at TICF, is an exemplary role model of our core values, and skillfully balances what is best for our associates, customers, dealers, and partners in all his decision-making.” Crews’ leadership ability has left an enduring and positive impact on TICF’s operations since he joined TICF in 2020. His legal and compliance expertise, combined with strategic insight, has proven crucial in solidifying TICF’s foundation while setting the course for sustained success and future growth. Learn more about Toyota and its leadership at Toyotacf.com or ToyotaForklift.com. About Toyota Material Handling Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com. Contact Carson Horn, APR ?The Communications Group 501-515-0849 chorn@comgroup.com Justin Albers ?Toyota Material Handling 812-350-9739 Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com
COLUMBUS, Ind. (April 2, 2024) – Toyota Material Handling announced the winners of the annual President’s Award, which recognizes the top Toyota forklift dealers in North America, during the company’s annual dealer meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. The prestigious award recognizes the dealers who perform at the highest level in parts, service, equipment sales, finance, customer satisfaction and overall operations. The winners of the 2023 President’s Award are: • Brodie Toyota-Lift, Lawrence, MA • Conger Toyota-Lift, Green Bay, WI • Industrial Truck Service, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada • JIT Toyota-Lift, Frewsburg, NY • Mid Columbia Forklift, Yakima, WA • ProLift Toyota Material Handling, Louisville, KY • Shoppa's Mid America, Kansas City, MO • Southern States Toyotalift, Tampa, FL • Summit Toyota-Lift, North Haven, CT • Toyota Lift of Houston, Houston, TX • Toyota Lift of South Texas, San Antonio, TX • Toyota Material Handling Systems, Suwanee, GA • Vesco Toyotalift, Hickory, NC • Watts Equipment Company, Manteca, CA • Welch Equipment Company, Denver, CO “The President’s Award is the pinnacle of recognition at Toyota, reserved for those who exemplify superior dedication to providing customer service and solutions,” said Bill Finerty, TMH President & CEO. “Toyota Material Handling dealers have a long-standing reputation for going above and beyond for their customers, and these dealers represent the best of the company’s customer service standards.” About Toyota Material Handling Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com.
COLUMBUS, Ind. (March 6, 2024) – Toyota Material Handling North America President & CEO (TMHNA) Brett Wood remains at the forefront of the material handling industry as the second individual in the 70-year history of the Industrial Truck Association (ITA) to be elected twice as Chair of the Board of Directors, effective January 1. Wood has served in various roles during his three decades with the ITA. During his first term as ITA chairman from 2015 to 2018, Wood was pivotal in establishing the ITA’s economic impact report Lifting America: The Economic Impact of Industrial Truck Manufacturers, Distributors and Dealers. This marked a significant milestone as the first-ever initiative to quantify material handling statistics that provide invaluable insights to the industry. “I am honored to serve as a champion for the ITA, to drive positive change and promote the impact of the powered industrial truck industry,” said Wood, who also serves as a Senior Executive Officer for TMHNA’s parent company – Toyota Industries Corporation. “The ITA serves as an invaluable resource to its members, creating industry-wide initiatives and driving positive change for the collective whole and all who work closely with powered industrial trucks.” As chair, Wood collaborates with the executive board to determine ITA’s strategy, communicates the association’s position on industry issues and drives industry-wide initiatives, and promotes the positive impact the powered industrial truck industry has on the global supply chain. By embodying Toyota’s culture of Kaizen – or continuous improvement – and upholding Toyota’s core values, Wood’s leadership is integral in advancing and promoting the vital role industrial trucks play in manufacturing, warehousing, logistics and distribution. “We are thrilled to welcome Brett as the Chair of the ITA’s Board of Directors,” said Brian Feehan, President of ITA. “His leadership and deep industry expertise will be invaluable assets as we continue to drive member value and raise awareness on safety.” Wood championed the founding of National Forklift Safety Day, an annual event dedicated to reinforcing safety protocols and practices among forklift manufacturers. The 11th National Forklift Safety Day will be held on June 11, 2024, in Washington, D.C. This initiative continues to serve as a testament to Wood’s commitment to prioritizing operator safety and promoting safety standards. Learn more about Wood and his dedication to the material handling industry at ToyotaForklift.com. About Toyota Material Handling Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com. About ITA For more than 70 years, the Industrial Truck Association has been the leading organization of industrial truck manufacturers and suppliers of component parts and accessories that conduct business in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Based in Washington, D.C., ITA maintains an influential voice in international standards development for the industry. The organization also advances engineering practices to promote safe products, disseminates statistical marketplace information, and provides industry forums for learning and networking. Visit www.indtrk.org. Contact Justin Albers Toyota Material Handling 812-350-9739 Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com
COLUMBUS, Ind. (April 11, 2023) – Toyota Material Handling, the industry leader in material handling innovation, recently launched a new electric walkie stacker under the brand Tora-Max, adding to the company’s growing portfolio of material handling products and solutions. The Tora-Max Walkie Stacker offers supreme versatility, accessibility and load stability.The new walkie stacker adds to Toyota’s industry-leading lineup of electric products and is an ideal solution for customers in the warehousing, manufacturing, beverage, retail, and distribution industries. The new model is available for order online, on the MyToyota Store and at TMH dealers across North America.“The Tora-Max Walkie Stacker is perfect for customers who need a fast, turnkey solution for their material handling needs,” said Tony Miller, Toyota Material Handling Senior Vice President of Engineering, Operations, and Strategic Planning. “This product launch is the latest example of Toyota’s mission to provide versatile and valuable solutions for any type of customer.”The Tora-Max Walkie Stacker is designed with the versatility to handle light-duty loads and includes pinwheel capability to easily navigate tight aisles and compact spaces with optimal comfort and control. The six different mast options and adjustable base legs provide additional stability and allow operators to fine tune the equipment to stack a variety of load sizes within the model’s 2,600-pound capacity. The ergonomic hand grips, fingertip controls and directional thumb wheels sustain productivity levels while ensuring operator comfort.The Tora-Max Walking Stacker also includes a 24V lithium-ion battery and a built-in charger for faster charging times. The charger works with standard wall outlets, and regenerative braking keeps any operation running efficiently.Additional features available with this model include an LCD battery indicator screen, which shows battery usage and fault codes, and a PIN code access or RFID access panel to reduce the likelihood of unauthorized use.Learn more about Toyota Material Handling’s full line of efficiency-improving products and solutions, and the benefits Tora-Max walkies offer, at ToyotaForklift.com, or order online at shop.toyotaforklift.com.About Toyota Material Handling Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com.ContactJustin AlbersToyota Material Handling812-350-9739Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com
COLUMBUS, Ind. (April 4, 2023) – Toyota Material Handling (TMH) announced the winners of the annual President’s Award, which recognizes the top Toyota forklift dealers in North America, during the company’s annual dealer meeting in Nashville. The prestigious award recognizes the dealers who perform at the highest level in parts, service, equipment sales, finance, customer satisfaction and overall operations. The winners of the 2022 President’s Award are: • Brodie Toyota-Lift, Lawrence, Massachusetts • Conger Toyota-Lift, Green Bay, Wisconsin • Hull Toyota Lift, Elkhart, Indiana • Industrial Truck Service, Winnipeg, Manitoba • JIT Toyota-Lift, Frewsburg, New York • Lift, Inc., Mountville, Pennsylvania • Liftow Limited, Mississauga, Ontario • Shoppa’s Material Handling, Fort Worth, Texas • Southern States Toyotalift, Tampa, Florida • The Lilly Company, Memphis, Tennessee • Thompson & Johnson Equipment Co., East Syracuse, New York • Toyota Lift of Houston, Houston, Texas • Toyota Lift of South Texas, San Antonio, Texas • Toyota Material Handling Systems, Suwanee, Georgia • Watts Equipment Company, Manteca, California "The President’s Award is our most prestigious honor, reserved for those who deliver a superior customer experience,” said Bill Finerty, TMH President & CEO. “Toyota Material Handling forklift dealers have a longstanding reputation for consistently going above and beyond for our customers. These dealers represent the best of the best, and we’re proud to honor them and their commitment to excellent customer service.” About Toyota Material Handling Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com. Contact Justin Albers Toyota Material Handling 812-350-9739 Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com
ITHACA, N.Y. (March 7, 2023) – Toyota Material Handling (TMH), North America’s leading manufacturer of forklifts and material handling solutions, joined representatives from Cornell University’s College of Engineering to officially dedicate the revolutionary Toyota Forklift Learning Studio at Cornell University’s Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. This is the world’s first Forklift Learning Studio and the result of a unique and dynamic partnership between TMH and Cornell, bringing students a creative outlet for real-world application in a revolutionary and immersive learning experience that could become a model for impactful change in higher education. “At Toyota, we believe making things is about making people, and this learning studio is a great example of that guiding principle,” said Brett Wood, Toyota Material Handing North America President & CEO. “Young people often wonder how they’ll use certain theories in their professional lives because it’s often difficult to connect the dots. In the innovative Toyota Forklift Learning Studio, all of the ‘dots’ will exist in the same space as the finished product. This connects perfectly to our Toyota culture of continuous improvement by giving Cornell Engineering students a place for continuous learning and allowing them to explore ways to apply that learning in the real world.” This state-of-the-art learning studio is equipped with industry-leading products, components and technology that will bridge the gap between students’ coursework and actual commercial products. The forklifts will help students learn about mechanical properties and how they integrate into a larger system while exposing them to many elements of engineering principles like fluid mechanics, heat transfer, hydraulics, engines, transmissions, motors and more. This experimental-learning space, designed with the latest in forklift innovation, encourages outside-the-box thinking, intellectual exploration, and empowers students with a real-life application of the theories taught in classrooms that supports a modern approach to education that balances lecture and lab sessions. “I became passionate about this when it became clear to me that students were motivated by seeing how what they learned in class applied to their everyday life and to their career opportunities, and they didn’t want to wait very long to get to that point,” said Brian Kirby, Associate Director of Undergraduate Affairs for Cornell’s Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. “The idea behind the forklift learning studio was to lead with the application, and then use that as a framework to decide how it could be linked together in the different classes we teach.” Kirby says the Toyota Forklift Learning Studio will incorporate between seven and 12 different classes, with students going back and forth between the studio and other parts of the curriculum. “We want students to interact with the studio constantly, and we want to influence a larger number of students,” Kirby said. “Unlike a single class, which can only affect 10-100 students, this space will impact hundreds and hundreds of students and allow them to see the links between what they’re doing and what they can actually become. I believe students will see the Toyota Forklift Learning Studio as a fun and exciting place that motivates them to put their energy and passion into studying the foundational material we’re teaching – a place where the coolest things happen on campus.” The Toyota Forklift Learning Studio will not only change the educational experience for engineering students at Cornell – it could become a model for universities across the country. It challenges the traditional ideology of doing things a certain way because that’s how they’ve always been done, and provides a clear answer to the age-old question students ask: ‘When will I ever use this in the real world?’ “I wish I had a learning studio like this when I was studying mechanical engineering many years ago,” Wood said. “To be able to get your hands on a commercial product and learn about direct applications for engineering theory and principles would’ve been a life-changing experience. I really hope this can help the engineers of tomorrow get out into the workforce and better understand the basic and even the more complicated engineering principles they learn in a classroom. We believe this is a revolutionary shift in the way students learn, and Toyota is so proud to be at the forefront of impactful change.” The Toyota Forklift Learning Studio is an investment in the next generation of engineers that gives students an inimitable opportunity to learn the key principles of modern engineering and systems thinking. Students taking advantage of this cutting-edge learning experience benefit from having complex systems and individual components all in one place, enlightening students with a holistic perspective of the engineering process and the ability to see how the application of science and mathematics comes together to create an essential product. “The cool thing about the studio is seeing how everything you’ve learned in separate classes can be integrated into one thing,” said Cornell University sophomore Emma Sudmann, who was selected to help build the studio last summer. “It can be hard to see how everything you learn in your statics class compares to your fluid mechanics class, for example. But with the forklift, you can see how all of those topics come together and how they are used in the real world. “This experience has definitely opened my eyes to so many different possibilities, and things I had never thought you could do with engineering. It’s so cool to be part of something that will not only impact engineering but could be a model that impacts how all students learn in the future.” In addition to modernizing the way students learn, the mutually beneficial partnership will expose them to new products and industries where they could build successful careers. The forklift industry is an essential part of the nation’s supply chain, and it is coming off the two best years in history – with a combined 663,000 units sold in North America in 2021 and 2022. The industry contributes more than $26 billion to the United States’ annual GDP and offers wide-ranging opportunities for engineers. “We’re grateful for our partnership with Toyota Material Handling which allows us to better prepare our students for their future careers by cultivating a deep understanding and appreciation of engineering while instilling values in them that encourage a curious mind and a drive to continuously improve,” Kirby said. “Since the beginning of our partnership with Toyota, our collaborations have grown deeper and more vibrant, and our philosophical connections have become more and more clear. We couldn’t be more excited about the future of this learning studio and our partnership with Toyota.” Learn more about Toyota Material Handling’s commitment to cultivating the forklift industry’s next generation of engineers and leaders here, or by visiting ToyotaForklift.com. About Toyota Material Handling Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com. Contact Justin Albers Toyota Material Handling 812-350-9739 Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com
COLUMBUS, Ind. (January 26, 2023) – Shawn Dickmeyer, a Toyota Material Handling (TMH) associate, is being celebrated by his colleagues for a historic win at the 2022 Global Skills Competition hosted by the Toyota Material Handling Group (TMHG) in Takahama, Japan, last month, earning a gold medal in the Welding category. Dickmeyer beat competitors from other Toyota group companies based in China, France, Italy and Sweden, as well as additional U.S. participants during the annual international competition. Dickmeyer earned the distinct honor of becoming the first TMH representative to ever win gold in the Welding category. Fellow TMH associate Kim Douglass took home the gold for Assembly, meaning TMH swept the highly competitive event for the first time in company history. “Shawn came out on top against some of the most skilled competitors in the world, showcasing on a global stage the character, skill and talent our associates possess at Toyota Material Handling,” said Tony Miller, TMH Senior Vice President of Operations, Engineering & Strategic Planning. “We are all very proud of the hard work Shawn invested in preparation for this competition and the manner in which he represented our organization. Shawn and Kim have set a new standard for excellence that will be hard to match, but one we hope will motivate others for years to come.” Dickmeyer credits veteran TMH competitors, Phil Roberts and Leon Moore, as the inspiration behind his victory. Of his nearly 13 years at TMH, Dickmeyer spent the last three in the training department working alongside Roberts and Moore, helping them prepare for their competitions, conducting welding tests for new hires, and processing materials for the welding dojo. Roberts and Moore eventually convinced Dickmeyer to compete, supporting and coaching him for hours each day for an entire year prior to the competition. Before advancing to the global competition and a nine-day trip to Japan, Dickmeyer first proved his superior skills against other hopeful competitors from other Toyota group companies in North America during a regional competition. Despite the confidence he gained from his initial win, Dickmeyer saw himself as more of an underdog than the favorite in a “stacked” competition. “Competing next to the other contestants in Japan created a lot more pressure than I had anticipated,” Dickmeyer recalls. “I tried to use music and chewing gum to help calm my nerves.” Rather than get sidetracked by anxiety, Dickmeyer threw himself into the familiar routine he had practiced over the previous 12 months, determined to block out distractions and stay focused on the end goal: welding a vessel and a complicated joint in less than 40 minutes. Competitors are judged on criteria such as weld size, position, appearance, and testing the vessel up to a certain level of PSI pressure. While the time Dickmeyer spent behind the torch remains somewhat of a blur, the experience that followed will likely never fade. “When they announced I had won gold, the feeling was indescribable. The flood of different emotions was pretty intense,” Dickmeyer said. “Winning gold was pretty special, but for both Kim and I to win gold in the same year was incredible. That was the goal going in, but we knew it would be tough to achieve. I’m so thankful we were able to do it together.” In honor of their historic achievement, TMH dedicated a special day to celebrate each of their returning champions, complete with congratulatory signs and banners, a cafeteria offering based on their favorite meals, and gold cookies with red, white and blue ribbons attached to them. Dickmeyer said he was overwhelmed by the countless congratulatory messages he received from his colleagues. “It was humbling to have TMH take the time to put together a day in my honor. Toyota is and always has been a special place to work because they truly care for the people that work here,” Dickmeyer said. “It also brought awareness to the TMHG Global Skills Competition, which I think is important because it truly is a life-changing opportunity. It was a unique privilege to experience the Japanese culture. It is such a beautiful place, and I would tell anyone thinking of competing in the future to just go for it. It is the trip of a lifetime, and this process will definitely help you grow in more ways than you could ever imagine.” Dickmeyer and Douglass’ wins are a testament to TMH’s industry-leading reputation of dedication to innovation, quality and service. The full-line material handling solutions provider and North America’s leading manufacturer of forklifts maintains a constant focus on delivering the highest quality and believes in the concept of ‘Kaizen’, or continuous improvement, in every aspect of its business. “I am so thankful to everyone who helped me throughout this process, especially Brad Cater, who consistently critiqued my practice sessions and pushed me to be the best I could be,” Dickmeyer said. Learn more about Toyota Material Handling’s unique and supportive culture that fosters excellence through training and learning, or Genchi Genbutsu, at ToyotaForklift.com. About: Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com. Contact: Justin Albers Toyota Material Handling 812-350-9739 Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com
COLUMBUS, Ind. (January 16, 2023) – Kim Douglass, a Toyota Material Handling (TMH) associate, made history by becoming the first woman to ever place in the Toyota Material Handling Group (TMHG) Global Skills Competition, earning a gold medal in the ‘Assembly’ category during the annual international competition held last month in Takahama, Japan. Douglass beat competitors from other Toyota group companies based in China, France, Italy and Sweden, as well as additional U.S. participants from The Raymond Corporation. “We couldn’t be prouder of Kim’s significant achievement and the way she represented Toyota Material Handling in this intense global competition,” said Tony Miller, TMH Senior Vice President of Engineering, Operations & Strategic Planning. “Kim never strayed from our core values and always approached the competition with respect and humility.” Douglass, who has been with Toyota for 13 years, participated in TMH’s internal competition and was eventually selected as the company’s representative for the ‘Assembly’ category. From there, she challenged competitors from Raymond’s Greene, New York, and Muscatine, Iowa factories in a regional competition prior to the big show in Japan. Douglass spent a full year in TMH’s training department as she prepared for the competition, practicing for several hours every day while also helping train others in the dojo area. It culminated in the nine-day trip to Japan last month – Douglass’ first trip outside of the U.S. When it was finally time for the big day, Douglass did her best to calm the nerves. “My thought was ‘This is just practice.’ I’m at home practicing.’ I kept saying it over and over to myself for three days,” Douglass said. “At one point, I glanced at the Japanese representative competing next to me, and I was like, ‘Nope, I can’t even look at him. I have to focus on my work only.’” Douglass finished assembling the plates in 3 minutes and 16 seconds, and completed the torquing portion in eight minutes to earn the gold – much to her surprise. “I looked at my coach and said ‘Really!?’” Douglass recalls. “I did not expect to win. I was hoping to at least place, but I did not plan on winning gold.” Douglass said dozens of people congratulated her on the win – including many women sharing that they feel a sense of ‘girl power’ as a result of her achievement. But Douglass’ most memorable interaction came from a fellow competitor – Paige Frantz, a female representative from Raymond Muscatine who finished third. The duo developed a bond during the regional competition that continued as they pushed each other to get better. “She told me right from the beginning, ‘You’re going to place.’ When I got done, the first thing she did was hug me and said, ‘I knew you were going to do it … I knew you were going to win this.’ That was really meaningful to me. We’re all in this together, and I was so happy that she placed too. “One of the things I realized when we went through the tour in Takahama was there were not many women on the lines. So the fact that we’re showing everyone that women can do it – it’s awesome.” Douglass’ win is a testament to TMH’s industry-leading reputation of dedication to innovation, quality and service. The full-line material handling solutions provider and North America’s leading manufacturer of forklifts maintains a constant focus on delivering the highest quality and believes in the concept of ‘Kaizen’, or continuous improvement, in every aspect of its business. One area of improvement that TMH is especially focused on is encouraging more women to pursue a career in the material handling industry which makes Douglass’ win even more significant for the organization. The Toyota Women’s Impact Network, or T-WIN, plans to use Douglass’ achievement as a tangible example of what they hope to see more of in years to come. “Kim’s achievement is more than just a win for TMH or even for Toyota; it’s a win for all women in the material handling industry,” said Tracy Stachniak, TMH Vice President of Human Resources, Training & Development. “We are committed to supporting and promoting diversity and inclusion in every way we can. Kim’s gold medal says one thing loud and clear – women can do it, too.” The company celebrated Douglass’ gold medal with a special campus-wide day in her honor – coined Kim Douglass Day – complete with congratulatory signs and banners, a cafeteria offering based on her favorite meal, and gold cookies with red, white and blue ribbons attached to them. “The big thing I learned through this whole experience is just not to be afraid,” Douglass said. “I never entered the skills competition before out of fear. I didn’t know what to expect, so I didn’t do it. Ultimately, I decided to go for it because I feel like I’m good at assembly and felt like if I didn’t try, I was going to regret it. I’m so happy I did. I’m going to apply that mindset to other parts of my life and continue to take chances on myself. “I’m so thankful for everyone that supported me throughout this process, especially my coach Matt Heuer for always encouraging me to do my best.” Learn more about Toyota Material Handling’s culture of diversity and inclusion by clicking here or by visiting toyotaforklift.com. About Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information, visit Toyotaforklift.com. Contact Carson Horn The Communications Group 501-515-0849 chorn@comgroup.com Justin Albers Toyota Material Handling 812-350-9739 Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com
COLUMBUS, Ind. (December 19, 2022) – Toyota Material Handling (TMH), a leading manufacturer of forklifts and provider of a range of material handling solutions, announces a new partnership with Anchor House, a local nonprofit that focuses on investing in Jackson County residents through housing, employment resources and nutritional assistance. Anchor House is the only homeless assistance program serving the local community, offering two emergency shelters and the largest food pantry in the area. “Toyota Material Handling is proud to partner with this local organization that has an impact on so many families and individuals in our community,” said Tracy Stachniak, TMH Vice President of Human Resources. “Anchor House is a staple in the community, and we are proud that this partnership will allow the shelter to broaden the ways they assist those in need.” Toyota’s commitment through this partnership includes $100,000 in financial support to Anchor House to be paid over the next four years. The company is also providing in-kind donations to meet needs that arise for Anchor House and its beneficiaries, such as non-perishable food or business and interview attire. TMH employees will have unique opportunities to make a difference by volunteering for the organization to provide shelter maintenance and food pantry donations. The partnership also includes support for Anchor House’s self-sufficiency program with Toyota providing employment skills training to residents involved in the program. The training includes but is not limited to interview skills, resumé writing and application completion assistance. Through this program, TMH is helping develop a sustainable employment track for Anchor House families. “The growing need for our services in the community has been evident by the increased need for food and shelter we’ve continued to experience. Now more than ever, our friends and neighbors need our assistance,” said Anchor House Executive Director Megan Cherry. “With the growing need, we rely on vital partners like Toyota to help us with our important work. This allows us to meet those needs and ensure that no one is left in the cold or hungry. “We couldn’t be more grateful that Toyota has come along side us to provide volunteers, hard work and financial support to our mission. Toyota is one of our biggest champions and supporters. We are able to continue to meet the need because of this great partnership and work they support.” In 2022, Anchor House provided more than 10,500 nights of shelter to citizens in need and served over 14,000 people through its food pantry. The organization has continuously served the Jackson County community for over three decades and partners with multiple organizations in the area to provide holistic support for those with immediate and long-term needs. Learn more about Toyota Material Handling’s culture of volunteerism by visiting toyotaforklift.com. About: Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide a complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com. Contact: Justin Albers Toyota Material Handling 812-350-9739 Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com
PHOENIX (Nov. 21, 2022) – Toyota Material Handling (TMH) and Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) collaborated to assist Mom’s Pantry in Phoenix with the donation of a new, custom-built electric forklift. This equipment is critical to the day-to-day operations of Mom’s Pantry, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit food bank that distributes essential food and household items to low-income adults and families in the area. “The holiday season is all about coming together and giving back. With Toyota’s own Parts Distribution Center located in Phoenix, it is especially important that we support our surrounding communities,” said Tellis Bethel, group vice president, chief social innovation officer, TMNA. “We were thrilled to work with TMH on this joint forklift donation to Mom’s Pantry, given the often overlooked and substantial operational costs and equipment that such philanthropic organizations need.” Mom’s Pantry operates a weekly food distribution, serving more than 350 individuals and families and is consistently receiving and unloading pallets of essential items into their 7,000 sq. ft. warehouse. The organization had been operating with the use of the same Toyota forklift since opening their doors in 2013 and was in desperate need of new equipment. TMH and TMNA partnered to provide Mom’s Pantry with a new electric walkie stacker that includes optional adjustable baselegs to accommodate various pallet sizes and aisle widths. Walkie stacker forklifts, or pallet stackers, are great for lifting pallets in warehouse applications. A walkie forklift or walk-behind pallet truck is oftentimes used for transporting products over short distances and lifting pallets where a traditional forklift isn’t necessary. The machine was also customized by TMH to ensure its height was adequate to clear the food bank facility’s loading entry. TMH’s local dealership – Toyotalift of Arizona – visited Mom’s Pantry to ensure their older model would remain functional until the new unit was delivered. To power the walkie stacker, Enersys generously donated a new battery and charger for the unit. “Toyota’s founding principle, the reason we exist, is to contribute to society. We can never lose sight of our core purpose. Our forklift interpretation of that core purpose is ‘Helping People Carry the Load’,” said TMH President & CEO Bill Finerty. “We were honored to partner with a fellow Toyota company to support such an outstanding cause, and look forward to partnering on more philanthropic opportunities in the future. I’d like to thank our local dealership in Arizona for their support in making this happen.” The electric pallet stacker was delivered to Mom’s Pantry earlier this month and formally unveiled during the food bank’s annual pre-Thanksgiving distribution on Saturday, Nov. 19. Families picking up their weekly groceries also received a turkey and ingredients for traditional side dishes to supplement a complete Thanksgiving meal. “We are blessed that many organizations provide us with food in bulk, but that food doesn’t move itself,” said Pamela Trudeau, executive director at Mom’s Pantry. “We were desperate to replace our tired, old forklift and this gift from Toyota Material Handling and Toyota Motor North America allows us to free-up thousands of dollars to acquire food and household items for the individuals, families and homeless we serve.” Last year, Mom’s Pantry distributed over 430,000 pounds of food, helping to feed more than 40,000 people experiencing food insecurity and homelessness. Mom’s Pantry has already served more people in 2022 than all of 2021 and is projected to exceed the number of people fed in 2020 by the end of November. In addition to groceries, the organization also assists with providing hygiene products, cleaning products, diapers and pet food. Mom’s Pantry relies on food and supply donations from the community and welcomes volunteer support and requests to host food drives all year long. To learn more about Mom’s Pantry, visit www.momspantryphoenix.org. About Toyota Material Handling Toyota Material Handling, a North American leader in material handling solutions, offers a full line of material handling products proudly assembled in the United States, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. For more information, visit ToyotaForklift.com. About Toyota Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 32 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, a quarter of the company’s 2021 U.S. sales were electrified. To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com. Contact Justin Albers Toyota Material Handling Senior Communications & Public Relations Specialist 812.341.3712 Justin.albers@toyotatmh.com Christine Henley Toyota Motor North America Western Communications Manager 949.727.2722 christine.henley@toyota.com
COLUMBUS, Ind. (October 11, 2022) - Toyota Material Handling (TMH), North America’s leading manufacturer of forklifts and warehousing solutions, has launched an updated version of Toyota 3-Wheel Electric Forklift. The update adds new features and technology to the top-selling forklift in the segment. The updates have raised the standard on innovation and versatility with more than 30 advances, including improved ergonomics, operator assist features, and onboard programming and diagnostics. “The current Toyota 3-Wheel forklift is already a fantastic truck, and with new features and options, we believe it can solve our customers’ evolving problems and continue to be the forklift of choice for a wide variety of warehousing applications,” said Tony Miller, Senior Vice President of Operations, Engineering & Strategic Planning. “The enhancements to the 3-Wheel Forklift will enable operators to be even more productive over the life of the vehicle with a lower cost of ownership.” Smooth, responsive controls are part of the improved ergonomics that make operating the forklift easier. The 4.3-inch high-resolution display gives the operator access to controls and information in a highly readable format. The premium full-suspension seat is wider with no hip restraints and is weight adjustable for greater operator comfort. The EZ Fingertip Control option allows each function to be operated with a single finger or thumb, minimizing unnecessary movement. Operators will appreciate the optional rear-assist grip with a horn that makes reverse travel more comfortable and provides easy access for frequent reverse moves. The 100 percent onboard programming and diagnostics allow application-specific fine-tuning and faster service for reliable, productivity-enhancing performance. Other reliability and operating improvements include wet disc brakes that seal out debris and keep brakes cool. The auto parking brake automatically applies anytime the truck is turned off or the operator leaves the seat. It enhances operator control by being turned off with the quick push of a button. Automatic Mast Control (AMC) responds automatically to enhance the stability of loads, and the mast cushioning feature reduces wear and tear on the mast. Base features include 3,000-4,000 lb. capacity, an AC drive motor and industry-leading travel times. Energy-efficient improvements offer 40 percent longer run time on a single charge. A slope-sensing auto power mode automatically switches power mode to maintain speed while traveling up a slope. An optional Toyota Lithium-Ion battery minimizes maintenance costs and downtime for improved productivity. The updated Toyota 3-Wheel Electric Forklift offers the optional SEnS+ pedestrian detection technology feature - part of the Toyota Assist portfolio of operator enhancements that passively or actively assists customers with operability, productivity, and situational awareness. Learn more about the power, productivity, and versatility of the new Toyota 3-Wheel Forklift and Toyota Material Handling’s growing lineup of electric forklifts at ToyotaForklift.com. About Toyota Material Handling Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com. Contact Lisa Van Hook The Communications Group 501-425-8092 Lvanhook@comgroup.com Justin Albers Toyota Material Handling 812-350-9739 Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com
COLUMBUS, Ind. (October 13, 2022) - Toyota Material Handling (TMH), the industry leader in material handling innovation, announces Toyota Assist, a comprehensive suite of advanced features that reflect the company’s commitment to fostering a culture of safety. The Toyota-designed operator assist technologies included in this premiere package work both passively and actively to enhance operability, productivity, and situational awareness. “Today more than ever, fleet managers are under increasing pressure to move product faster while keeping operators and pedestrians comfortable and safe,” said Tony Miller, TMH Senior Vice President of Operations, Engineering & Strategic Planning. “The new and innovative suite of features included in Toyota Assist empowers customers with the ability to outperform normal productivity under the most challenging environmental conditions and situations with the most advanced safety technology on the market.” The latest innovation featured in this unique package is the Smart Environment Sensor® + (SEnS+) technology that provides operators with pedestrian and object detection. This system, available on new Toyota Forklift models, delivers visual and audible alerts when objects or pedestrians are detected within range, similar to pedestrian alerts found in the modern automobile driver assist technologies. SEnS+ limits the movement of the forklift by engaging regenerative braking. A dynamic zoning feature automatically adjusts the detection range of obstacles in a 130-degree field of view up to 32 feet away based on the forklift's speed. This feature is complemented by a obstacle detection system – designed and engineered by Toyota – which uses stereoscopic vision technology to assist operators by differentiating between pedestrians and objects. Toyota Assist also features the System of Active Stability (SAS), which engages instantly to stabilize the rear axle if the system senses the forklift is in a situation that could lead to instability. The EZ Control Joystick places all hydraulic controls, travel direction and horn button in a single, ergonomically designed handle, while a selection of adjustable cameras help operators keep an eye on their surroundings. Additional innovative safety features such as Toyota’s Acu-Laser, Auto Height Select, Lift Logic, Load Weight Sensing Ground Level Monitoring, Object Detection Radar, and Compartment Sensing System are also included. For a complete and detailed listing of all the unique and advanced features of this package, visit the Toyota Assist resource page. Learn more about how to enhance forklift operability and improve fleet performance with the Toyota Assist suite of features including the new and innovative SEnS+ pedestrian detection system, at ToyotaForklift.com. About Toyota Material Handling Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com. Contact Lisa Van Hook The Communications Group 501-425-8092 Lvanhook@comgroup.com Justin Albers Toyota Material Handling 812-350-9739 Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com
COLUMBUS, Ind. (October 13, 2022) — Toyota Material Handling (TMH), along with its partner companies, is donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross to support communities affected by the devastation of Hurricane Ian. Toyota Material Handling (TMH), The Raymond Corporation, Toyota Advanced Logistics/Bastian Solutions, Toyota Industries Commercial Finance (TICF), and Toyota Industries Commercial Finance Canada (TICFC), have come together to make the combined contribution to disaster relief. Devastation was left in the wake of Hurricane Ian. More than 1.7 million people are still without electricity while search and rescue crews are working around the clock to save those trapped by high waters. Central Florida continues to flood as many people face dreadful conditions. The American Red Cross was one of the first relief efforts in the area offering people a safe place to stay, a hot meal, and healthcare services. The American Red Cross continues opening shelters throughout Florida and the Carolinas while dozens of Red Cross response vehicles travel to the hardest hit areas to provide food and supplies where it is safe to do so. “As our relief efforts continue in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian, we are grateful that Toyota Material Handling, and its affiliated companies, are partnering with us to provide vital aid and relief to the communities affected by this deadly disaster,” said Donna Colón, Executive Director, Southeast Chapter, American Red Cross – Indiana Region. “TMH has been a partner for years, and this generous gift will help us bring comfort and care to those impacted by this historic disaster. What a special way for TMH and its dealers to come together to help the American Red Cross alleviate suffering." Dozens of blood drives have been cancelled due to dangerous conditions and flood waters, leaving the Southeast in need of thousands of blood and platelet donations. This past week, TMH hosted a blood drive which collected 84 units of blood that will go directly toward the American Red Cross. “Toyota Material Handling not only supports the American Red Cross financially in these times of severe need, but also with a large number of associate volunteers and regular blood drives,” said Bill Finerty, President and CEO of Toyota Material Handling. “We are proud to support disaster relief in Florida and the Carolinas as they continue to face hardship in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Toyota is committed to Helping People Carry the Load, whenever and wherever they may face that need.” About Toyota Material Handling Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com. Contact Lisa Van Hook The Communications Group 501-425-8092 Lvanhook@comgroup.com Justin Albers Toyota Material Handling 812-350-9739 Justin.Albers@toyotatmh.com