Toyota Material Handling has announced the release of 22 new electric products as part of the company’s growing portfolio of world-class materials handling products and solutions.

“This is an exciting milestone for our company and our customers,” says Bill Finerty, TMH president and CEO. “Never before has the global supply chain endured such challenges as those we presently face. Warehouses and distribution centres everywhere need materials handling equipment that can help them keep pace with the speed of commerce. This historic product release puts Toyota in a position to lift up customers with the materials handling solutions they need to be successful in today’s demanding market.”

Toyota’s historic product introduction also encompasses a range of new warehousing solutions, including 12 new reach truck models. These new reach truck models address modern warehousing challenges by offering customers tailored solutions for narrow aisles, and different picking and putaway needs. The expanded lineup includes four different operator compartments; 24V, 36V and 48V models; a Multidirectional model for handling long loads in narrow aisles; High-Capacity models with a maximum fork height of 45 ft. (14 m); as well as three Moving Mast Reach Truck models to fit unique applications – such as cold storage and indoor/outdoor use.

Toyota Material Handling has also added a Low Level Order Picker and Furniture Order Picker, along with Enclosed End Rider and Stand-Up Rider pallet jacks to its industry-leading product lineup to stay at the forefront of a significant shift taking place in the industry.

TMH has introduced four electric pneumatic forklift models to provide customers with options that combine strength and versatility while helping address sustainability objectives.

“When our customers speak, we listen,” says Tony Miller, TMH senior vice president of operations, engineering and strategic planning. “Our customers have been asking for specific and sustainable solutions that get the job done. The comprehensive group of products and solutions featured in this historic release represent Toyota’s finest engineering and capture the true spirit of collaborative design and function, with all the options, features and versatility our customers need to optimise their operations and meet their strategic initiatives.”

The launch is well-timed, as several TMH ICE models remain in limbo in the United States. The company announced a voluntary suspension of production of certain diesel forklift models at its Columbus, Indiana factory in December. This action immediately affected the production and sale of the 6-8 T forklift model “out of a proactive abundance of caution as TMH continues to confirm the compliance of these products within EPA standards”, the company explained at the time.

In May, TMH halted production and shipment of some models of engine-powered forklifts manufactured in Columbus. That suspension was limited to LPG- and LPG/gasoline-powered models.

The May disruption was triggered by a requirement for an annual emissions certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and CARB.