Toyota Joins the Lean Factory Group to Demonstrate AGV Technology at the Automation Technology Expo - ATX West


IRVINE, Calif. - Toyota Material Handling U.S.A., Inc. (TMHU) today announced it will participate with The Lean Factory Group, an association of America's leading lean manufacturing product and service providers, to showcase its Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) technologies at the Automation Technology Expo, ATX West. The event will take place Feb. 9-11 at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim, Calif., and TMHU will be in booth no. 4175.

The Lean Factory Group-featuring Toyota, Bosch Rexroth, Orgatex, Leonardo Group Americas and Automation Controls-will offer workshops designed to educate show visitors on lean manufacturing techniques and technologies, including the use of fully automated industrial equipment. The group also will highlight available AGV options with the ultimate goal of creating a lean production environment.

"By integrating AGVs to help automate a warehouse or manufacturing facility, companies can reduce operating costs and increase overall efficiency," said Martin Boyd, national product planning and marketing manager for TMHU. "At ATX West, Toyota and the Lean Factory Group will provide workshop participants with an interactive look at AGV products and services available to assist in achieving a lean, streamlined production environment."

Toyota's AGVs will be one highlight, along with workstations and flow-racks, floor markings and protective tape for AGV paths, PLCs and sensors. The expo will include educational sessions that demonstrate the importance of a data-driven approach to line design; the need to create an environment that supports lean production with the right equipment and infrastructure; and the tools to create a "Visual Factory." Participants will witness the step-by-step creation of an optimized lean production environment, culminating in an actual build demonstration on an optimum lean line.

For more information about ATX West, visit http://www.devicelink.com/expo/atxw10/.

About The Lean Factory Group

The Lean Factory Group is an association of some of America's leading Lean Manufacturing product and service providers, including Bosch Rexroth, Orgatex, Leonardo Group Americas, Omron-STI and Valin Automation Controls. The Lean Manufacturing method has become accepted as the proven path to competitive excellence, in any industry and for any product. The companies of the Lean Factory Group have been trusted partners in this lean transformation since the early 1990's, and have worked closely with many of the world's leading companies for training, consulting and physical factory conversions.

About Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc.

Toyota, the world's leading lift truck supplier, has extended its material handling expertise to AGVs. With 15 years experience in the Asian market, there are more than 1,000 Toyota AGVs in operation in the world today. Toyota now offers AGVs in the U.S. with capacities ranging from 500- to 4,000-pounds, which are designed for smaller loads and ideal for companies looking to increase handling volume without increasing operational staff. Utilizing a self-adhesive magnetic tape makes setup of Toyota AGVs simple and requires no floor modifications.

Toyota's automation solutions feature a wide variety of offerings including multiple path programming, retractable towing pin, remote communication, programmable optical sensors, etc.

Celebrating more than 40 years of established operations in the United States, Irvine, Calif.-based TMHU has been the No. 1 selling lift truck supplier in the U.S. since 2002 and currently offers a full line of high-quality lift trucks sold under the Toyota brand. TMHU, as the sole United States distributor for Aichi, now also offers a line-up of aerial work lifts, including scissor lifts, crawler and wheeled boom lifts designed specifically to meet a wide range of indoor and outdoor needs.

Built on a reputation of excellence, Toyota remains the industry leader due to its quality, durability and reliability. Quality is the hallmark of Toyota's world-renowned Toyota Production System practiced at all Toyota manufacturing facilities, including Toyota Industrial Equipment Mfg., Inc. (TIEM). Most of the Toyota lift trucks sold in the United States are manufactured at TIEM, a zero-landfill facility, in Columbus, Ind.

TIEM, and all Toyota manufacturing plants in the U.S. and Canada, comply with the ISO 14001 standard from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and have been honored for their environmental management systems and dedication to continuous improvement.

Toyota's commitment to excellence in customer service extends nationwide. Sixty-eight authorized Toyota Industrial Equipment dealers, with a total of 188 dealership locations throughout the United States offer comprehensive customer service and support, including one-stop shopping for both new and used lift trucks, rentals, parts and service, fleet servicing and financing. For more information on TMHU, please visit www.toyotaforklift.com, www.facebook.com/ToyotaForklift or twitter.com/ToyotaForklift.

Christine Welch
Account Manager
27 Orchard, Suite 100
Lake Forest, CA 92630
949.486.8960 x225

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