Kazue Sasaki Named President of Toyota Industrial Equipment Mfg.

Toyota has announced the appointment of Kazue Sasaki to president of Toyota Industrial Equipment Mfg., Inc., the U.S. manufacturing plant for Toyota lift trucks sold in Canada, 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. 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 North America. Outgoing president Susumu (Sonny) Toyoda will remain active in Toyota Industries Corporation. 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.

“Kazue Sasaki brings experience and proven leadership skills to his new role,” said Rob Reinders, director, Toyota Canada Industrial Equipment Division. “We are excited by the opportunity to work with him.”

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.