Sasaki will also serve as president of Toyota Industries North America Inc., a holding company, and as a director on the Toyota Material Handling U.S.A. Inc. (TMHU) executive board. 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 the U.S.
Sasaki most recently was a senior managing officer of Toyota Industries Corp. (TICO). Prior to that role, he was a managing officer/director and led TICO’s engine division. He led collaboration efforts with Toyota Motor Corp. to produce environmentally friendly diesel-engine concepts. Sasaki earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Kyoto University.
“Sasaki’s passion for quality and excellence showcases his leadership abilities,” says Shankar Basu, chairman and CEO of TMHU and a director of TIEM. “It is an honor to welcome him as a member of the team.”
Outgoing president Susumu (Sonny) Toyoda will remain active in TICO. Over his five years with TIEM, Toyoda helped the plant achieve numerous environmental and manufacturing accolades, including zero-landfill status and production of the 300,000th lift truck.
