Sakichi Toyoda, born in 1867, was the son of Ikichi and Ei Toyoda. From an early age, Sakichi had a passion for learning and a desire to contribute to society through the creation of new and useful inventions. Through hard work and perseverance, he quickly become known as a prominent inventor in Japan after obtaining patents for the Toyoda wooden hand loom and Toyoda power loom.

Over the years, Sakichi continued to invent more sophisticated and advanced looms and eventually established Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, Ltd. in 1926. Although their primary function was the invention and manufacture of looms, the company had larger aspirations of broader research and inventions outside of the textile industry. This drive is what led to the company’s significant business diversification efforts that resulted in the eventual design and production of engines, automobiles, air compressors, and, of course, forklifts.

Toyoda began development of their first lift truck in 1955 and by 1956, the model LA 1-ton internal combustion engine counterbalanced forklift was launched through Toyota Motor Sales Co. (currently Toyota Motor Corporation). The name change from “Toyoda” to “Toyota” actually occurred because the latter can be written with eight strokes in Japanese katakana and eight is regarded as a lucky number in East Asian culture.

The lift truck market grew rapidly in the 1960’s, and in 1970 Toyota established a dedicated factory for production of industrial vehicles in Takahama, Japan on an over 1 million square foot parcel of land. This facility is still used to this day as Toyota forklift’s headquarters and main manufacturing facility. In 1970, Toyota systemized the Toyota Production System (TPS) based on two main ideologies: “Just-in-Time” and “Jidoka (automation with a human touch)”. While TPS has evolved over time, it is currently a world renowned philosophy that is practiced at all Toyota production facilities across the world.

Throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s, more diversified products began to be designed and manufactured including diesel and electric forklifts, models with lift capacities up to 40 tons, and even an extensive lineup of forklift attachments and options. Increasing global demand for these products led to the first Toyota forklift sale in the United States in 1967.

As the number of exports to the US grew, the need for an overseas manufacturing facility became apparent. In 1988, Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing (TIEM) was established as a joint venture with Toyota Motor Sales in Columbus, Indiana with production beginning in 1990. By 1995, Toyota forklift production had reached 1 million units globally and was still going strong. The acquisition of BT Industries AB of Sweden and introduction of the world’s first AC powered electric forklift in 2000 further bolstered sales and market share.

In order to unify manufacturing and marketing and sales operations, Toyota Material Handling was established in 2001 under Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) with separate divisions across the globe, including Toyota Material Handling, USA (TMHU) in North America. That same year, Toyota attained first place in global market share and by 2002 had also attained first place in US market share, both distinctions that are still held to this day.

In April of 2006, Toyota Material Handling Group (TMHG) was created to facilitate integration of Toyota Material Handling and BT Industries Group. This joint venture improved global competitiveness and allowed the companies to realize synergies by mutually supplying each other’s products, engaging in joint development, reorganizing sales and service networks, and sharing production expertise.

These synergies allowed Toyota to continue to position itself as a true full line supplier of material handling equipment. Reach trucks, order pickers, tuggers, pallet jacks, and more joined Toyota’s line up of premier sit-down counterbalanced products throughout the 2000’s. In 2003, the AICHI Corporation became a subsidiary of Toyota, adding a diverse offering of aerial work platforms and construction equipment to the product mix. Cascade Corporation, the world leader in design and manufacture of material handling attachments and accessories, was later acquired in 2013.

In addition to being a full line supplier of material handling equipment, Toyota also continues to position themselves as premier material handling solutions providers. TICO’s acquisition of Bastian Solutions, LLC and Vanderlande in 2017, for example, signifies Toyota’s strategic ambition to increase their presence in automated material handling, systems integration, and advanced logistics technology.

This dedication to innovation and diversification started with Sakichi Toyoda’s vision over 100 years ago. What started as one man’s dream and a small loom manufacturing company has evolved into one of the largest and most recognized companies in the world. Sakichi passed away in October 1930 after dedicating 63 years to invention, but his spirit still lives on in all Toyota companies. His lasting legacy will continue to inspire us all for years to come.

Original Post: Trinton Castetter, Product Marketing Specialist, Toyota Material Handling

1.  A History of Excellence and Leadership: Toyota’s forklift division began in 1956 in Japan with the introduction of the first Toyota forklift. Today, Toyota is the world leader in forklift sales.

2.  Safety Innovation: Toyota introduced the world’s first and only System of Active Stability (SAS). The system electronically monitors the forklift’s operations to help reduce the likelihood of both lateral and longitudinal tip-overs.

3.  Technical Innovation: In 2000, Toyota became the first major forklift manufacturer in the United States to offer AC technology to provide high performance and efficiency. The AC motor contains no springs, brushes, commutators or directional contractors, making is virtually maintenance free.

4.  #1 in Quality, Durability, Reliability, Value and Lowest Cost of Ownership: Toyota forklifts are ranked number one in numerous studies conducted by Peerless Research Group.

5.  More Than a Forklift Manufacturer, Toyota is a Full-Line Supplier: In addition to a full line of high-quality forklifts, Toyota offers other industrial equipment products including narrow aisle solutions, walkie stackers, automated guided vehicles (AGV’s) and tow tractors.

Click here to learn more about why you should consider choosing a Toyota forklift from Dillon Toyota Lift.

Toyota Forklifts are built to be reliable, but the life of all material handling equipment will eventually come to an end. As an operations manager, you’re in control of when to get new machines into your operation. And as an operator, you know when your forklift is breaking down way too often. When bigger issues arise or when several small issues are keeping your forklift out of use, you may be asking yourself “Is it worth the time and money to put into this old machine?” This question means you’re considering the economic life of your forklift. Every forklift has two lives, its useful life, and its economic life. Useful life is pretty simple. If your forklift cannot be repaired, and is no longer used productively, then it has seen the end of its useful life. Economic life is more complicated, and requires more planning for both use and material procurement. This information can help you decide if your forklift’s economic life is coming to an end.

Economic life is the time span it makes financial sense to maintain your forklift, rather than replacing it. You know your forklift has reached the end of its economic life when the cost of the repairs are more expensive than the cost of purchasing a new one. The stress of having a forklift out of service on both an operation and the people who run it should lead you to have a good understanding of a forklift’s economic life. First, make sure you are planning for the replacement of your older forklifts. On average, most forklifts will need to be replaced around 10,000 hours, but can even be around 8,000 hours or less for those in unique applications. With the help of our economic life of a forklift calculator, you can get insight into when your forklift will need to be replaced. This allows you to easily determine a budget, and make it a more positive experience for you and your company. It can also influence your decision on whether you want to lease or buy your next forklift or forklift fleet. Leasing is sometimes an option that can help you reduce diminishing returns from a forklift with an expired economic life.

If you are putting off getting a new forklift and constantly maintaining your old one, you could be losing a lot of profits while the forklift is experiencing downtime. It’s never too late to start planning to improve the efficiency of your operation, whether you’re looking to acquire a forklift soon, have just done so, or are using an old forklift that might be past its prime. 

Original post:  Lucas Collom, Digital Projects Administrator, Toyota Material Handling, USA

Keeping a large inventory of spare parts on hand encroaches on both the budget and physical storage space of your business. What happens if your forklift goes down and you don’t have that critical spare part on hand? Your business suffers unnecessary downtime and you may be forced to pay outrageous freight costs to have the parts shipped to you overnight.

How do you determine which forklift parts are critical and which are not?

If you are looking to define a critical spare part, ask yourself the following questions:

• What parts do you purchase most often? This should be your first consideration, especially if you have a fleet of several forklifts. Look back and determine which parts have been consistently replaced in the last few years and keep them in your on-site inventory.
• If your forklift goes down, how quickly will you need the part? If you will need it immediately, then it is a critical part. If you have a backup forklift that can be used or another means of covering the downtime, then it would not be a critical part.
• Will your business be halted or delayed if you don’t have the part? If the answer is yes to this question, then it is a critical part and must be kept in inventory.
• How long will it take you to receive a part if ordered? Find out which parts your local Toyota Forklifts dealer keeps on hand and which ones have to be ordered. Doing so will help you determine how long it will take you to retrieve the new part.
• If you need to have a part repaired, what is the average time it will take for your dealership to make the repair and have it returned? Contact your dealer and determine average repair times for those parts that you define as critical.

Have a backup plan. 

• If you don’t have space for a large inventory of spare parts, work with Dillon Toyota Lift to make sure they have the parts on hand that are critical to your organization.
• Keep a list of those critical parts posted so your technicians know what steps to take to procure that part.
• If you are going to experience a lengthy downtime, will your dealer be able to provide a loaner?

By being prepared and determining which parts are critical, your business could save money and most importantly, time.

Original Post By:  Debi Stanton, Customer Satisfaction Administrator

Toyota at ProMat: Experience the Material Handling Revolution

ProMat is the premiere event for material handling leaders, where the best operations are seeking innovative solutions from fellow experts in the field. It’s the forefront of the industry’s future. Toyota Material Handling has evolved from its roots to meet diverse challenges and adapt to the market. At ProMat 2019, we’re introducing more than the next evolution of forklifts. We’re starting a revolution of the way you think about material handling solutions. When you visit TMHU at ProMat, you’ll see what next level innovation is all about. 

Chicago is the exciting location of ProMat 2019! Toyota Material Handling wants to help as you make plans and book travel accommodations in the Windy City. Follow the link below to locate the ProMat Expo’s official travel recommendations and information. And while you’re at the show, come see Toyota Material Handling at booths S1003 or S603 and receive a free gift!

RSVP TO WIN

COLUMBUS, Ind. – (February 13, 2019) – Toyota Industries North America, Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of Hoist Liftruck Mfg., LLC effective February 8, 2019. The new company will be Hoist Material Handling, Inc.

“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished in building a terrific brand and quality products,” said Hoist Founder Marty Flaska. “I am retiring and will no longer be part of the business, but the company is in good hands. It’s an honor to hand it off to the industry leader Toyota.”

Hoist Material Handling will be led by Vice President (VP) and General Manager Dan Kossow; VP of Engineering Bob Miller; VP of Sales Stu Jacover; and VP of Operations Ryan Delaney. Delaney, who spent the last six years as Director of Quality for the Raymond Corporation, will join the Hoist Material Handling team in East Chicago reporting to Tony Miller, Senior VP of Operations and Engineering for Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing.

“This is the perfect next step in the expansion of our Toyota Heavy Duty (THD) line,” said Jeff Rufener, President of Toyota Material Handling U.SA. “Hoist has been a great manufacturer of heavy-duty equipment for years and brings a group of passionate, talented associates that will help us in our role as a full-line equipment supplier. We are excited about the future of Hoist Material Handling.”

The acquisition of Hoist Material Handling adds to Toyota’s already robust presence in the state of Indiana. Headquartered in East Chicago, Ind. with a 550,000-square-foot factory, Hoist has nearly 25 years of experience manufacturing heavy-duty cushion tire and pneumatic forklifts, reach stackers, container handlers, and more, ranging in lift capacity from 7 to 57 tons.

Toyota has had an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement with Hoist for the manufacture of large capacity forklifts under the THD brand since 2015.

“We are committed to maintaining a high-level of quality products and service to both the Hoist and Toyota dealer networks,” Rufener said.

Toyota Material Handling 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. 

Photo & Article credit:  Hoist News Link