A new model of Toyota forklifts will, for the first time, be built first in Columbus and later in Japan.

Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing in Columbus recently launched a new version of its 8-series forklift, which has the highest lifting capacity of its lineup, between 3.5 and 8 tons.

The company also recently invested $6 million to build a new version of its highest-capacity model. The investment was at least partially a result of an improving economy, which has prompted Toyota to increase employment at its local forklift plant by more than 100 since early 2012.

Submitted Pneumatic Engine Photo: Toyota’s new 8-Series Pneumatic Gas, LPG, Diesel or Dual Fuel Engine Lift Truck.

Submitted Toyota’s new 8-Series Cushion LPG Powered Lift Truck with a lifting capacity of 8,000 to 15,500 pounds.