IRVINE, Calif. (November 14, 2006) Toyota, the number one selling lift truck supplier in the United States, is pleased to announce that its Columbus, Indiana manufacturing plant, Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing, Inc. (TIEM), was awarded the Indiana Governors Award for Environmental Excellence. The honor was bestowed to Toyota for its leadership in using environmental strategies in its production and decision-making processes. TIEM was recognized in the category Five Years Continuous Improvement, which is issued to companies that have consistently implemented projects leading to significant environmental benefits.
We are proud to be included in this distinguished list of environmentally responsible companies, said Sonny Toyoda, president of TIEM. We work diligently to ensure that we are not just preserving, but also improving our environment. This award sends a clear message that smart business decisions also can be environmentally friendly, and its a message we deliver with enthusiasm and conviction.
The awards were given at the ninth annual Indiana Pollution Prevention Conference, which honors companies that use innovative environmental practices, reduce waste and contribute to the protection of Indianas environment. Toyota always has and always will take the responsible stewardship of our global environment very seriously, said Shankar Basu, president and CEO of Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A. (TMHU) and a director of TIEM. To be honored by the state of Indiana for implementing both environmentally sound and business-forward strategies is gratifying to say the least. TIEMs Columbus facility employs more than 800 associates and is responsible for manufacturing the majority of Toyotas lift trucks sold in the United States, the most durable and most popular lift trucks in the industry.
About Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc.
Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc. (TMHU), the number one selling lift truck supplier in the U.S. since 2002, is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and offers a full line of high-quality lift trucks sold under the Toyota brand. Built on a reputation for excellence, Toyota is known for its quality, reliability and durability. In fact, third-party research indicates Toyota lift trucks rank highest in quality and value among the top competitors. Quality is the hallmark of Toyotas world-renowned Toyota Production System practiced at all Toyota manufacturing facilities, including TIEM.
Toyotas commitment to excellence in customer service extends nationwide. Sixty-nine authorized Toyota Industrial Equipment dealers, with a total of 186 dealership locations throughout the United States, offer comprehensive customer service support, including one-stop shopping for both new and Certified Used lift trucks, parts, service and financing. For more information on TMHU, please visit http://www.toyotaforklift.com or call 1-800-226-0009. Toyotas innovative product lines will be on display at ProMat, January 8-11, 2007 in Chicago, Ill., at booth no. 2019.
