Overview
Toyota Material Handling Europe (TMHE) is a critical division of the Toyota Industries Corporation, the world's leading material handling company since 2001. TMHE provides a wide array of high-quality material handling solutions, such as hand pallet trucks and powered pallet trucks, catering to diverse business needs throughout Europe.
Operations and Infrastructure
TMHE's primary operations are concentrated in Europe, with key production facilities in Mjölby, Sweden; Ancenis, France; and Bologna, Italy. These facilities produce over 95% of the trucks sold in the European market, maintaining high standards through the Toyota Production System (TPS).
Recent Developments
TMHE has made a strategic investment of €31 million to expand the production capacity for electric warehouse equipment at its Swedish manufacturing site. This move reflects TMHE's commitment to advancing eco-friendly technologies and enhancing production efficiency.
Leadership and Strategic Direction
The leadership of TMHE is now under Toru Suzuki, appointed as chairman of the board in March 2023, succeeding Hiroyuki Taniguchi. The management team guides the company's strategic initiatives in alignment with the Toyota Way principles: Genchi Genbutsu, Kaizen, Challenge, Teamwork, and Respect.
Products and Solutions
TMHE offers a diverse range of products and solutions for material handling, including:
- Premium and Used Trucks
- I_Site Fleet Management Systems
- Automated and Racking Solutions
- Energy and Service Solutions
These offerings are designed for optimal operational efficiency and are distributed through a wide network of independent distributors and dealers across Europe.
Innovation and Sustainability
Driven by initiatives such as Smart Logistics and Logiconomi, TMHE focuses on innovative logistics solutions with a goal towards a net-zero future. Under the guidance of TPS advisors, TMHE has advanced internal and external quality performance by over 80%.
Financial Performance
Toyota Industries Corporation, TMHE’s parent company, reported a year-on-year net sales growth of ¥358 billion, a 25% increase compared to the previous fiscal year, underscoring robust performance in the material handling sector. This financial strength supports TMHE's ambitious growth and innovation objectives.
Contact and Advisory Network
The Toyota Lean Academy at TMHE includes experts such as Matthias Bingel, Olivier Bessin, and Denis Bosser, who provide advice in Lean Leadership and Transformation. This network reinforces TMHE's dedication to operational excellence and continuous improvement in lean management.
Key Competitors
1. Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.
Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Hyster-Yale designs, manufactures, sells, and services lift trucks and parts under the Hyster® and Yale® names, with a notable global presence enhanced by its joint ventures and subsidiaries.
2. KION Group AG
Based in Germany, KION Group is the largest manufacturer of industrial trucks in EMEA and the second-largest worldwide, with a focus on digitalization and automation in their diverse product offerings.
3. Crown Equipment Corporation
Crown Equipment, from New Bremen, Ohio, excels in advanced product design and integration of technology in material handling, operating globally with a focus on ergonomic and safety innovations.
4. STILL GmbH
As part of the KION Group, STILL is noted for high-performance intralogistics solutions, leveraging a wide global network to provide integrated lift trucks, warehouse equipment, and intelligent management services.
5. Jungheinrich AG
Jungheinrich is a leading provider of intralogistics solutions, engaging in the development and production of material handling equipment, warehousing technology, and automation, with a significant global footprint.
Industry Activities and Collaborations
TMHE actively participates in industry activities such as "The Smart Logistics Challenge" and partners with organizations like the European Materials Handling Federation. These efforts underscore TMHE's commitment to fostering innovation and adaptability within the logistics sector.
