IRVINE, Calif., (July 29, 2009) — Toyota has announced the appointment of Kazue Sasaki to president of Toyota Industrial Equipment Mfg. Inc. (TIEM), the U.S. manufacturing plant for Toyota lift trucks, effective immediately. In addition, he is now president of Toyota Industries North America Inc., a holding company, and a director of the Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A. Inc. (TMHU) board of directors.
As president of TIEM, Sasaki is responsible for all aspects of the Columbus, Ind., plant, which manufactures the majority of Toyota lift trucks sold in the United States.
Outgoing president Susumu (Sonny) Toyoda will remain active in Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO). Toyoda, who served a five-year tenure at TIEM, was influential in leading the plant to achieve numerous environmental and manufacturing accolades including a zero-landfill status and the production of the 300,000th lift truck.
Sasaki brings more than 20 years of management and engineering experience to the plant, most recently serving as a senior managing officer of Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO). Prior to this role, Sasaki was a managing officer, director and led TICO’s Engine Division, and was responsible for collaborations with Toyota Motor Corp. to produce environmentally friendly diesel engine concepts, along with new business development activities.
“Sasaki’s passion for quality and excellence showcases his leadership abilities,” said Shankar Basu, chairman and CEO of TMHU and a director of TIEM. “It is an honor to welcome him as a member of the team.”
Sasaki has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Kyoto University. He and his wife, Junko, reside in Columbus, Ind. They have two grown children.
