Toyota Material Handling Solutions has moved from one Santa Fe Springs location to another.
The company — which sells and rents new and used forklifts, heavy lift trucks, aerial work platforms, pallet jacks, air compressors and cleaning equipment — moved from its 101,080-square-foot location on Imperial Highway to a 130,000-square-foot site at 12012 Burke St.
“The old location was getting pretty cramped and the parking situation was bad,” company spokeswoman Samantha Horton said. “We needed more space for employees, inventory, customers and parking.”
The new facility began operation a week ago.
Toyota Material Handling Solutions is owned by Toyota Industries Corp., which makes the Toyota Rav4 and is a sister company to Toyota Motor Corp.
The new facility employs 160 workers and features a large warehouse and two buildings for administrative and sales support, along with a back office for aftermarket parts and service support.
“This move represents a significant milestone in our 50-year history,” President & CEO Shankar Basu said in a statement. “As we continue to grow and expand, our new space will enhance collaboration, innovation and the overall experience for partners and customers.”
The company notes that it’s also near the 5, 605 and 91 freeways.
Much of Toyota Material Handling’s customer base consists of plant managers, operations managers and warehouse managers along with additional customers who buy equipment for use at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
In November, the company announced the launch of three electric forklifts, including a model that allows for easy operation in narrow aisles and on tractor-trailers.
“Warehouses and distribution centers everywhere need material handling equipment that can help them keep pace with the speed of commerce,” said Tony Miller, the company’s senior vice president of engineering, operations and strategic planning.
Miller said Toyota Material Handling’s customers have been asking for “specific and sustainable solutions” that get the job done.
“By adding these new models, we are in a position to lift up customers with the material handling solutions they need to be successful in today’s demanding market,” he said.
Toyota Material Handling Solutions has served the Los Angeles area since 1973. The company opened a Columbus, Indiana plant in 1990 that has since produced more than 500,000 forklifts, company officials said.
The Indiana location houses Toyota Material Handling’s national headquarters for manufacturing, training and distribution of forklifts and other equipment. It also includes a customer center with a 360-degree showroom and live product demonstrations.
