Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc. (TMHU), the supplier of the number one selling lift truck in North America, created the "Giving Veterans a Lift" program with two objectives in mind. One to help veterans find employment and two to assist its dealers in recruiting qualified service technicians. In an announcement today, Toyota plans to extend the program through December 2013. Veterans are encouraged to apply for Toyota Industrial Equipment (TIE) dealership service technician career opportunities at toyotalifttech.com. For every veteran hired by a TIE dealer as a service technician, TMHU will match a dealer’s donation (up to $500) to Hire Heroes USA, in honor of the newly hired veteran.

Hire Heroes USA (HHUSA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating job opportunities for U.S. military transitioning service members, veterans and their spouses. The services provide in transition and job search assistance, and job placement services, to those who have served in the U.S. military and to their spouses.

"Since the inception of this program, Toyota has seen first-hand how job training can directly help veterans and how veterans’ work ethic can benefit business," said Jeff Rufener, president of TMHU. "We are proud that 139 veterans have taken advantage of Toyota’s programs this year and hope that many more can learn a new job skill or bring their expertise to our dealerships."

Operator Safety Training Program Provides Discounted Training to Vets

Toyota extended its veteran operator safety training program, which was originally launched in 2011 and provides discounted forklift operator safety training for veterans. This program is available through December 31, 2013 via Toyota’s network of participating dealers and offers veterans a $200 discount on the training, which trains individuals how to operate lift trucks.

About Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc.

Celebrating its 45th year in business in North America, TMHU is the supplier of Toyota lift trucks, the No. 1 selling brand since 2002. In addition to the full line of high-quality lift trucks, the company’s extended industrial equipment solutions include Automated Guided Vehicles and tow tractors.

Quality is the hallmark of the Toyota Production System practiced at all Toyota manufacturing facilities, including Toyota Industrial Equipment Mfg., Inc. (TIEM), a zero-landfill facility in Columbus, Ind. TIEM, named a 2011 North American Best Plant by IndustryWeek magazine, is a member of the National Safety Council, complies with the ISO 14001 standard from the International Organization for Standardization and has produced more than 400,000 Toyota lift trucks since its opening in 1990.

Toyota’s commitment to excellence in customer service extends throughout the U.S. and Canada. With more than 70 authorized Toyota Industrial Equipment dealers and more than 220 dealership locations throughout North America, Toyota dealers 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.