Governor Holcomb to break ground on Toyota facility in Columbus - Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather

COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) – Governor Eric Holcomb will join Toyota Material Handling executives and local officials Wednesday to break ground on a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bartholomew County.

Toyota Material Handling, also known as Toyota Forklift, manufactures and distributes forklifts, pallet trucks, tow tractors, order pickers and other material handling equipment.

Earlier this month, the company announced its ambitious plan to expand its Columbus headquarters campus to include a new 295,000-square-foot facility dedicated to the production of electric forklifts.

The nearly $100 million investment aims to “meet growing customer demand for electrical material handling solutions,” the company said in a statement.

Toyota Material Handling says the new facility is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the region, including the creation of up to 85 new jobs by the end of 2026. The expected wage for these new positions is $28.88 per hour.

The facility also “marks a crucial step” in the company’s commitment to “innovation and stability in the materials handling industry.”

Holcomb expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting its potential to strengthen Indiana’s manufacturing sector and bolster the state’s reputation as a center for advanced manufacturing.

“This innovation is not only an important milestone for Toyota Material Handling but also for our community and state,” Holcomb said in a statement. “The investment in this new facility underscores Indiana’s strong business environment and our commitment to supporting the industries that drive economic growth and technological advancement.”

Local officials also praised the project, noting its anticipated positive impact on the local economy and workforce. The facility’s focus on electrical products aligns with broader industry trends toward sustainable and energy-efficient solutions.

Toyota Material Handling, a global leader in the materials handling industry, continues to innovate and expand its capabilities. The upcoming facility in Columbus will play a critical role in the company’s strategy to enhance its product offerings and meet the evolving needs of its customers.

The groundbreaking ceremony is expected to draw significant attention from community members and stakeholders, ushering in a new chapter in Toyota Material Handling’s presence in Columbus and the broader Indiana manufacturing landscape.

The grand opening will take place at the Toyota Material Handling facility on Inwood Drive at 10 am. The facility is just off I-65 west of Walesboro, about 5 miles south of Columbus.