(Photo: Toyota Material Handling UK)
Toyota Material Handling UK says its drive to cut waste across its operations is delivering tangible benefits for customers, as it applies the principles of the Toyota Production System far beyond the factory floor.
The business said the approach, which is rooted in Toyota’s long-established production philosophy, underpins how it operates day to day, shaping everything from internal processes to the support it offers customers.
Originally developed by Taiichi Ohno in 1948, the Toyota Production System is widely recognised as the foundation of what is now known as lean manufacturing.
Its core aim is to eliminate waste and inconsistency, while designing processes that flow smoothly without overburdening people or equipment.
Toyota Material Handling UK said the system focuses on continuous improvement at every stage, from production through to delivery and aftersales, to maximise value while reducing unnecessary use of time, effort and resources.
Central to the approach is the elimination of “muda”, the Japanese term for waste or inefficiency, ensuring that activity only takes place where it adds value.
“At its heart, TPS is about creating a continuous, uninterrupted flow in every process,” said Hazel Philips, TPS trainer at Toyota Material Handling UK.
“Whether it’s assembling a vehicle or making a cup of tea, the same logic applies,” she said. “TPS encourages us to look closely at each step, find bottlenecks, and make improvements so we can deliver value to our customers with less waste and less effort.”
The company said the system is not just a set of tools, but a mindset built around continuous improvement, known as Kaizen, and respect for people.
Employees across all departments and levels are encouraged to identify inefficiencies and work together on solutions, embedding improvement into everyday working practices.
“We make improvement a team sport,” Hazel said. “Everyone’s contribution counts, and that collective effort is what drives us forward.”
Toyota Material Handling UK said this people-focused culture helps create long-term value for customers by ensuring staff are engaged, empowered and aligned with the company’s purpose.
The business said open communication and transparency support stronger partnerships with customers, rather than purely transactional relationships.
Alongside performance gains, the company said the approach supports its wider responsibility goals, including more sustainable ways of working.
Improvements range from simplifying paper-based workflows to adopting practices designed to reduce environmental impact.
“Our philosophy shows that business success and sustainability don’t have to be mutually exclusive,” Hazel said.
“By respecting value in all its forms, we build a resilient business that benefits our customers, supports our employees, and minimises our environmental impact.”
Toyota Material Handling UK said the ongoing application of the Toyota Production System continues to shape how it develops products and services, with a focus on quality, reliability and operational excellence.
The company said reducing waste remains central to enhancing the value it delivers to customers on a daily basis.