Innovation Across Toyota Material Handling Europe’s Core Departments

For us at Toyota Material Handling Europe, innovation is not confined to a single team. Instead, it is woven into the fabric of our organisation, with every department playing a crucial role in delivering cutting-edge solutions. Whether it’s integrating AI and autonomous systems or designing products that balance form and function, the breadth of expertise within the company ensures that we remain a leader in the logistics industry.?

R&D Warehouse Trucks: Redefining Product Evolution?

Led by Johan Simonsson , the R&D Warehouse Trucks division is responsible for driving the evolution of material handling products. “We are transforming forklift trucks from manual tools to intelligent and autonomous systems capable of addressing complex logistics challenges,” says Simonsson. The team focuses on integrating advanced energy solutions, AI, and connectivity technologies into our product range, ensuring customers benefit from solutions that are both efficient and impactful.?

R&D Counterbalance Trucks: Redefining Product Evolution?

The counterbalance electric trucks are designed to excel in tough environments, from icy conditions to scorching heat. Reliable and versatile, they perform in diverse settings, including fish markets and ATEX-certified zones requiring explosion-proof equipment.?

“Our teams in Italy and France focus on developing trucks that deliver performance, ergonomics, and intuitive controls,” says Francesco Mastroianni , Director of Counterbalance R&D. “By collaborating across manufacturing, purchasing, and other departments, we create efficient, advanced trucks that meet the challenges of real-world operations.”?

R&D Project Management Office: Driving Excellence Across Projects?

The Project Management Office (PMO) ensures seamless coordination across more than 50 development projects. From manual hand pallet trucks to advanced automated systems capable of millimetre precision, the PMO oversees the entire lifecycle of product development. “Our role is to guide projects from concept to completion, ensuring they align with our goals and deliver value to our customers,” explains Johan Rosén , Director of the PMO.??

Research & Innovation (R&I): Exploring Tomorrow’s Technologies

The R&I department, led by Johan Bryn?s , operates at the frontier of logistics innovation. “Our mission is to identify and develop technologies that will shape the future of material handling,” Bryn?s notes. This includes exploring IoT, robotics, AI, and sustainability initiatives. The newly established Innovation Centre is a cornerstone of the department’s work, providing a collaborative space to transform ideas into practical solutions for customers.?

Design Centre: Crafting Solutions with Purpose

Design at Toyota Material Handling Europe goes beyond aesthetics - it’s about creating solutions that are functional, user-friendly, and sustainable. Magnus Oliveira Andersson , Director of the Design Centre, emphasises the importance of aligning design with customer needs: “Our products must perform flawlessly while also resonating with users in their specific environments.” With over 30 international design awards, the Design Centre is recognised for its ability to blend form and function seamlessly.?

By harnessing the expertise of its departments, we ensure that every product and solution reflects its commitment to innovation and customer value. This collaborative approach keeps the organisation at the forefront of the logistics industry, ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.?

Ready to drive the future with us? We’re always on the lookout for talented engineers and forward-thinking innovators. Explore our talent programme and open positions or get in touch with us directly to learn more!