Already a leader in the production of "green" products, Toyota also can boast about its environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. As evidence, Columbus, Ind., lift truck operations Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Inc. received the Indiana Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence. Parent company Irvine, Calif.-based Toyota Material Handling U.S.A. Inc. announced the award during a Nov. 13 press event in Savannah, Ga., for its new 8-Series lift truck.
The governor's office cited company reductions since 1999 in volatile organic compounds (33%), hazardous air pollutants (80%), electrical consumption (24.4%), hazardous waste (16.8%) and natural gas consumption (65%) as accomplishments.
The Indiana plant also reduced the amount of non-hazardous solid waste going to the landfill by 100% by utilizing a waste-to-energy facility. In addition, while company increased production by 30% and building floor space by 17%, it experienced minimal increases in water, natural gas and electrical consumption, according to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
"This award sends a clear message that smart business decisions can also be environmentally friendly ones, and it's a message we deliver with enthusiasm and conviction," said Sonny Toyoda, president of Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing in a Nov. 13 statement.
In its list of award recipients, the governor's office wrote that Toyota Industrial Equipment "has produced many positive results, which increases the level of environmental awareness in their customers and suppliers."
The company received the award at the ninth annual Indiana Pollution Prevention Conference and Trade Show, which took place on Sept. 20.
