Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing (TIEM), Irvine, Calif., announced a new $16 million expansion and building renovation at its forklift manufacturing plant in Columbus, Ind. The expansion is designed to bring all employees in one large space to enhance communication between associates, improve products and services and offer a better experience for customers. The 50,600-square-foot addition will increase the total facility to 1.1 million square feet of manufacturing and support space. 

The new building and renovation will provide room to support human development activities, new manufacturing technology development and new product development. The expansion includes a 2-story office building, a new cafeteria, a new storm shelter and locker room and an on-site medical center for associates and their families. The new building will also serve as headquarters for Toyota Material Handling North America, the North American division of Toyota Material Handling Group.

“To achieve our long-term vision and goals, we are investing in our people and our manufacturing and support space,” says Tony Miller, senior vice president. “This expansion represents Toyota’s commitment to its associates, customers and the Columbus, Ind., community.”

Construction is projected to be completed next year.