Staff Reports
KARIYA, JAPAN — Shipment of some models of engine-powered lift trucks manufactured by Toyota Industries Corp. subsidiary Toyota Material Handling Inc. in Columbus will be suspended due to delays in obtaining U.S. engine emissions certification.
Toyota Industries expects the certification process will take more time and is temporarily suspending the production of gas and liquefied petroleum gas forklift models at Toyota Material Handling in Columbus beginning June 1, company officials said Friday.
The company said Toyota Material Handling will restart production of the models once it obtains certification for the engines.
In a company statement, Toyota said, “It’s not clear at this time how many associates will be affected by this production suspension of some models, but our goal is to preserve as much of our workforce as possible. We are exploring all possible options to reallocate resources internally, if necessary, to make that happen. We are also looking at alternative work projects and assignments and working to identify potential opportunities at our sister companies in the area.”
Company sources said the decision to suspend shipment impacts the company’s s gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas products, which represents about 2,000 units per month.
While the percentage of sales of this particular product varies depending on customer demand and other market factors, company officials said production will continue on Toyota’s electric and diesel models.
Company officials noted that electric forklifts make up nearly 70% of the U.S. and Canadian markets, where Toyota sells its products.
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For more on Toyota Material Handling and Toyota forklifts, visit ToyotaForklift.com.
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