MISSISSAUGA, Ont — Toyota Industrial Equipment (TIE), a division of Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) has produced its 200,000th lift truck at the Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing (TIEM) facility in Columbus, Indiana.

This milestone is accompanied with the announcement of a facility expansion to increase TIEM’s square footage from 750,223 to 859,023, creating an impressive new site for Toyota customers,dealers, associates and other guests.

TIE is the leading lift truck supplier in Canada and TIEM manufactures 95 percent of the Toyota lift trucks sold in Canada. In 2003, TIE sold 2,199 lift trucks, and sales for 2004 are estimated to top 2,410 – a target increase of 10%.

TIEM celebrated the 200,000th truck line-off, a four-wheeled internal combustion cushion tire lift truck, with a ground breaking ceremony. In attendance were Mr. Yoshimitsu Ogihara, president of TIEM, Mr. Rob Reinders, National Manager, TIE as well as various dealer representatives and the entire TIEM team. .

"This expansion is another step in our continuing efforts to build a strong foundation and a solid future for our company and our associates," said Mr.Ogihara. "These improvements will provide more effective training facilities, enhance communication between sales and manufacturing and accommodate the tremendous growth of Toyota lift trucks in recent years."

"TIEM’s operation and facilities are widely regarded as the gold standard in the industrial equipment industry. This expansion will allow all of us to serve Toyota customers, dealers and associates in an even greater capacity," said Rob Reinders.

Upon completion, the expanded TIEM facility will feature a new showroom designed to display 15 Toyota lift trucks, a theatre accommodating more than 40 guests, a demonstration room for an audience of 100 guests, and a training facility for dealers, customers and associates. To address increased production levels for Toyota lift trucks, plans also include an expanded distribution centre for completed units.