Steve Harper, president of TMHA, stepped down from his position last week to take early retirement.

Steve Harper, president of Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA), stepped down from his position last week to take early retirement.

His decision follows an injury that will require lengthy recuperation.

TMHA general manager - national corporate services, Nick Shepherd tells Forkliftaction.com News that current chairman Terry Unnai will take on the role of president in addition to his chairmanship.

General manager sales and marketing Steve Takacs has also been promoted to the position of executive vice president and chief operating officer of TMHA.

Harper spent 35 years associated with Toyota in Australia - 20 years with the Toyota automotive company and 15 years with TMHA.

According to Unnai, Harper was instrumental in the setting up of TMHA in Australia.

From 2003 to 2005, he played a key role in the acquisition of eight major businesses which formed Toyota Industries Corporation Australia (TICA) - now known as TMHA.

"The past seven years have been very challenging but very rewarding as we transitioned through all our acquisitions," says Harper.

The company currently enjoys market leadership (based on Australian Industrial Truck Association results) through the sales, hire and service of Toyota, BT and Raymond product in Australia.

"Steve's retirement from TMHA marks the end of an era and we extend our very best wishes to him and his wife Louise for a long and fulfilling retirement," concludes Unnai.