Toyota Industries Renovates Toyota Material Handling Customer Center Tokyo for the First Time in 20 Years

[Translation]

Toyota Industries Corporation (President: Akira Onishi; "Toyota Industries") announces that Toyota Material Handling Japan ("TMHJ") has carried out full-scale renovation of its Toyota Material Handling Customer Center Tokyo ("Customer Center Tokyo"), a logistics consulting showroom in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture. This is the showroom's first full-scale renovation in 20 years, and the renovated showroom will reopen on April 6.

Customer Center Tokyo is a consulting showroom that allows customers to actually experience logistics solutions by combining the logistics expertise developed by TMHJ with a rich product lineup. Since opening in 2001, it has been highly rated by many customers and drew many visitors.
Recently, there is an increasing need for automation of logistics due not only to chronic manpower shortage, but also the development of e-commerce and also the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, the renovation this time gathers the latest equipment and systems that can meet the needs of various logistics frontlines such as large-scale logistics centers.

In particular, the showroom will introduce products being exhibited in Japan for the first time, including automated loading robots and high-speed sorting and storage systems from U.S.-based Bastian^*1 and Dutch company Vanderlande^*2 which have achievements in Europe and the United States, regions which are leading logistics automation. From semi-automation where humans work together with equipment to full automation using robotics, visitors can see products in actual operation.

In addition, to contribute even more toward addressing the logistics issues and needs of customers than before, a consulting theater has been established to use the Toyota Production & Logistics System, which is composed of basic concepts of logistics based on the Toyota Production System, to fully provide the wealth of logistics expertise developed by Toyota Industries, and at the same time, introduce optimal logistics solutions for customers.

Customer Center looks forward to visits from customers at its three showrooms: Aichi and Osaka in addition to the Tokyo showroom being renovated this time.
Going forward, Toyota Industries will continue to support the building of optimal logistics environments for customers using TMHJ's rich product lineup and the industry's largest sales and service network.

*1 Bastian Solutions, LLC: U.S. company acquired by Toyota Industries in April 2017 that undertakes logistics solutions business mainly in North America.
*2 Vanderlande Industries Holding B.V.: Dutch company acquired by Toyota Industries in May 2017 that undertakes logistics solutions business globally.

1. Facility overview

2. Within the facility and exterior view