Toyota Material Handling U.S.A., Inc. (TMHU), and the entire Toyota family, send deepest sympathies to those affected by the tragic earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan. Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO), the parent company of TMHU, is donating approximately $1.2 million to provide relief support for victims and reconstruction assistance through Japan Platform, an international emergency humanitarian aid organization offering emergency aid, focusing on the issues of refugees and natural disaster.

TICO also is providing relief supplies, including: forklifts, skid steer loaders, food, water, blankets, batteries, gloves and self-care items. TMHU and Toyota Industrial Equipment Mfg., Inc. (TIEM), the U.S. forklift manufacturing plant for Toyota, are matching donations to the American Red Cross made by their associates. TMHU has also provided an avenue for its U.S. forklift dealers to support the American Red Cross or make donations to assist their fellow forklift dealers in Japan. Toyota Motor Corporation also donated $3.75 million to the Japanese Red Cross for relief efforts.

There were no damages to any of the Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) plants in Japan. The Takahama plant, TICO’s forklift plant was closed March 11-18th. Production recommenced March 21st. TICO will continue to monitor the situation, but at this time, business operations have resumed otherwise.

Toyota Industrial Equipment Mfg., Inc. (TIEM), located in Columbus, Ind., produces the majority of Toyota lift trucks sold in North America and continues to operate a normal production schedule. Overtime has been discontinued. Some parts shipments from Japan to TIEM may be impacted by the disaster, however, many of the parts used on TIEM-built Toyota lift trucks are sourced locally from U.S. suppliers. Toyota continues to monitor the situation and will develop countermeasure plans to minimize the impact on its business if necessary.

About Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc.
Celebrating more than 40 years of established operations in the United States, Irvine, Calif.-based Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc., (TMHU) has been the No. 1 selling lift truck supplier in the U.S. since 2002. In addition to the full line of high-quality lift trucks sold under the Toyota brand, the company’s extended industrial equipment solutions include: Aichi aerial work lifts—scissor lifts, crawler and wheeled boom lifts—Automated Guided Vehicles, and electric and diesel tow tractors.

Quality is the hallmark of the Toyota Production System practiced at all Toyota manufacturing facilities, including TIEM, a zero-landfill facility. TIEM is a member of the National Safety Council, complies with the ISO 14001 standard from the International Organization for Standardization, and has been honored for its environmental management systems and dedication to continuous improvement.

Toyota’s commitment to excellence in customer service extends nationwide. Sixty-eight authorized Toyota Industrial Equipment dealers, with a total of 188 dealership locations throughout the United States, offer comprehensive customer service and support, including one-stop shopping for both new and used lift trucks, rentals, parts and service, fleet servicing and financing.