Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing (TIEM) is investing nearly USD10 million to expand its Columbus facility by 14.5%.

On April 15, TIEM held a ceremony marking production of its 200,000th forklift and a groundbreaking for the facility expansion. By early 2005, TIEM plans to increase its space to 859,023 square feet (77,312 square metres), up from 750,223 square feet (67,520 square metres).

"This expansion is another step in our continuing efforts to build a strong foundation and a solid future for our company," said Yoshimitsu Ogihara, TIEM president.

"These improvements will provide more effective training facilities, enhance communication between sales and manufacturing, and accommodate the tremendous growth Toyota has experienced in recent years."

TIEM is adding a round showroom to display 15 forklifts, a theatre with stadium seating for 40 people, a demonstration room with bleacher seats for 100 and a training facility for dealers, customers and associates.

In addition, TIEM is expanding its existing distribution centre for completed forklifts, accommodating its national field office and enlarging the main office for purchasing, production control, logistics and sales administration departments.

TIEM expects to increase efficiency and productivity while maintaining employment at around the current 626 people.

Toyota Material Handling USA Inc (TMHU), of Irvine, California, which handles sales of Toyota forklifts under the Toyota Industrial Equipment brand, will have space in the national field office.

A four-wheel IC cushion tyre forklift was the 200,000th unit off the TIEM assembly line. TIEM produced its first forklift at Columbus in May 1990 and reached milestones for the 50,000th unit in June 1996 and the 100,000th in July 1999.