TMHE statement concerning Japanese earthquake of 11 March 2011 

Updated 27 April 2011

Following the powerful earthquake that struck Japan on March 11th, Toyota Material Handling Europe (TMHE) continues to work closely with Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) to understand, anticipate and minimise any impact for TMHE’s customers in Europe.

To date, the effect of the events in Japan on operations in Europe has been minimal, and TMHE’s factory production and service and parts operations are proceeding normally. Like many companies, TMHE does import some production parts and components from Japan; however these shipments are continuing as usual and TMHE does not anticipate supply chain issues related to its production, service and parts operations. TMHE does import a limited number of counterbalanced forklift trucks from the Takahama factory in Japan. This factory has been back in production since late March. Customers who have ordered Japanese-built trucks are being informed if there is any change to the status of their orders.

The situation at the Fukushima nuclear reactor in Japan has received widespread media attention. Concerns have been raised about radiation risks related to goods from Japan. Shipments of goods from Japan into Europe are subject to national regulations governing inspections of air and sea freight shipments. On-going inspections of goods shipped to TMHE from Japan have confirmed only normal levels of radiation.

TICO’s Takahama plant – where all Japan sourced Toyota material handling products are produced and stocked – is far away from the evacuation zones around the Fukushima plant, as are the transportation routes for shipment to Europe. To further assure safety, TICO is conducting daily radiation checks at the Takahama plant (including the parts warehouse), and no abnormal radiation levels have been detected.

TMHE and TICO place the highest priority on delivering safe products and promoting safe working environments and understand the need for employees, customers and the public to be confident in the safety of TMHE’s products. TMHE and TICO will fully respect all guidance issued by public and health authorities related to the on-going situation in Japan. In particular, we will continue to implement all required controls as well as any additional controls that we deem necessary to ensure the safety of our products.

We appreciate the public’s understanding in these extraordinary circumstances. Our thoughts and hopes remain with those in Japan who are coping directly with the aftermath of this earthquake. Additional information will be provided as this becomes available. 

Customers with questions can contact their local Toyota Material Handling representative.