In a significant move towards electrification, Toyota Material Handling has broken ground on a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to electric forklift production. The nearly $100 million investment, made alongside state and local officials, is set to create up to 85 new jobs by the end of 2026, further solidifying TMH's commitment to meeting the growing demand for electric material handling equipment.
The new 295,000-square-foot factory will be an extension of the company's existing headquarters campus in Columbus, Indiana, increasing the total footprint to an impressive 1.8 million square feet. This expansion comes as a strategic response to the rapidly evolving market, with electric forklifts now accounting for 65% of the North American material handling industry.
Brett Wood, president and CEO of Toyota Material Handling North America and senior executive officer for Toyota Industries Corporation, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, "Electric forklifts make up 65% of the North American market, and this trend towards electrification in the material handling industry will continue to grow."
The decision to invest in electric forklift production aligns with TMH's customer-centric approach. Tony Miller, TMH senior vice president for engineering, operations, and strategic planning, explained, "At Toyota, we will always be driven by what is best for our customers. Electric products are more popular than ever, and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to keep up with increased demand. This new factory will allow us to deliver those electric units to customers faster than we can today."
To support TMH's investment and job creation efforts, the Indiana Economic Development Corp. has pledged performance-based investments, including up to $200,000 in training grants and up to $1.1 million in conditional tax credits. These incentives demonstrate the state's commitment to fostering economic growth and supporting companies that invest in the local workforce.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the electric forklift factory marks a significant milestone in TMH's long-term strategy. As Brett Wood emphasized, "We do not just plan for next week or next year, we're preparing for the next decade, and this new initiative perfectly represents our commitment to that strategy."
The new facility is expected to not only boost TMH's production capacity but also contribute to the local economy by creating high-quality jobs. As the demand for electric material handling equipment continues to rise, TMH's investment in this cutting-edge factory positions the company to meet the evolving needs of its customers while driving innovation in the industry.
With construction now underway, the electric forklift factory is set to become a key component of TMH's operations, enabling the company to deliver advanced, eco-friendly material handling solutions to customers across North America. As the trend towards electrification in the material handling industry continues to gain momentum, TMH's proactive approach ensures that the company remains at the forefront of this transformative shift.
