TIEM's Columbus facility

Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Inc (TIEM) has reduced the headcount at its factory near Columbus in response to the downturn in the economy.

The subsidiary of Toyota Industries Corp says it reduced its Indiana work force by about 15%, involving about 120 positions, although specific numbers were not disclosed. Early retirements, voluntary departures and performance-based cuts accounted for the bulk of the reductions.

Tim Barker, corporate services senior manager, commented on the current market, saying: "The economic downturn has had a significant impact on all segments of the economy that are served by the material handling industry, resulting in a 49.3% decline in the lift truck market, according to the Industrial Truck Association" of Washington, DC.

TIEM is providing financial assistance to "all associates" who were impacted, Barker notes.

TIEM imposed seven non-production days on the work force during March and April.

Toyota Industries of Kariya, Japan established TIEM in October 1988, and operations at the plant began in May 1990. Structures occupy 873,000 square feet (78,570 sqm) on a 101-acre site.