Columbus, Ind., (Aug. 6, 2026) — Toyota Material Handling North America celebrated the opening of a new $100 million manufacturing facility dedicated to producing electric forklifts for the Toyota and Raymond brands on Aug. 5, 2026. The 295,000‑square‑foot plant expands the company’s Walesboro campus to 1.9 million square feet, making it Toyota’s largest campus in Indiana.

The new facility adds 140 new jobs, bringing Toyota’s total employment in the Columbus area to more than 2,100. TMHNA has operated in Columbus for nearly 40 years.

“Columbus has benefited from TMHNA’s innovative spirit and technology investments,” Mayor Mary Ferdon said at the event. “The growth we’re seeing today will have local impact. The focus on electric forklifts and advanced manufacturing with this 295,000‑foot expansion not only supports the ecosystem Toyota has created, but supports our community’s STEM‑related investment.”

Mayor Ferdon said the facility further strengthens Columbus’ position as the STEM capital of Indiana, noting that the city is increasingly recognized for its advanced manufacturing, engineering expertise and talent pipeline. She added that Columbus will be at the forefront of helping TMHNA meet rising national demand for electric forklifts through the new factory.

Brett Wood, president and CEO of Toyota Material Handling North America, echoed her statement in his speech where he talked about the importance of the new facility meeting the growing demand for electric forklifts.

“In 2023, 66% of all lift trucks sold in North America were electric powered, and currently the market is approximately 70% electric. The electric forklift demand is likely to reach 80% before 2035, and our new factory is poised to address this electrification trend,” said TMHNA President & CEO Brett Wood. “The factory is symbolic of our continued ambition to lead the material handling industry with forward-thinking strategic initiatives. It has been rewarding to see the collaboration over the last two years of the Toyota team, suppliers and city and state representatives to make our Columbus campus the epicenter of electric forklift innovation for years to come.”

The mayor also read a proclamation recognizing TMHNA’s economic and community impact.

Mayor Ferdon noted the company’s longstanding contributions to the community. “We’ve seen the invaluable effect of having TMHNA employees living in and investing in Columbus and Bartholomew County, raising families, being good neighbors and volunteers, and helping create an environment which creates success,” she said.

Speakers included Toyota Industries Corporation President Koichi Ito; TMHNA President and CEO Brett Wood; TMHNA Chief Supply Officer Tony Miller; Indiana Gov. Mike Braun; Rep. Erin Houchin; Rep. Jefferson Shreve; and Mayor Ferdon. Tours of the facility followed a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Columbus Redevelopment Commission invested more than $4.4 million in infrastructure improvements supporting the new facility. In 2024, the CRC approved funding for design and engineering work for road widening, intersection updates, pedestrian improvements, ditch installation and a new sanitary sewer line along Deaver Road.

In 2025, the CRC funded construction of the new sewer line, awarding the work to Bowen Engineering. That same year, the CRC approved roadway improvements along Deaver Road. The work was completed by Dave O’Mara Contractor.