Toyota Material Handling Partners with American Red Cross on Bloodmobile Unit

Toyota Material Handling has introduced a bloodmobile unit in partnership with the American Red Cross.

Toyota associates and community leaders gathered recently for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the organization’s Columbus, Ind.-based headquarters to formally introduce the new bloodmobile, made possible, in part, by Toyota’s support. The state-of-the-art vehicle is fitted to accommodate four donors simultaneously, with an annual collection capacity of approximately 30,000 units of blood. The new bloodmobile is designed to account for COVID requirements and is the first unit in the United States equipped with solar panels, reinforcing Toyota Industries Corp.’s Vision 2030 goal to reduce the company’s carbon footprint. The mobile blood collection unit will support the greater southern Indiana region.

“Toyota’s collaboration with the Red Cross reflects our culture of kaizen – or continuous improvement – while impacting countless lives throughout North America,” said Bill Finerty, Toyota Material Handling president and CEO. “This unique bloodmobile is the next step in our joint dedication to sustainably serving our communities.”

“As a former ICU and emergency department nurse, I know firsthand the importance of giving blood,” said Terry Stigdon, CEO of the American Red Cross. “This is a testament of the American Red Cross reducing our carbon footprint and part of our sustainability program. I thank Toyota Material Handling for coming alongside us to help us do this very important work while also doing what we can to protect and support the changing environment.” 

Toyota formalized its relationship with the Red Cross in 2018 in Southern Indiana. Today the partnership’s impact can be felt throughout North America as thousands of Toyota associates and dealers work together to create a nationwide network of passionate Red Cross supporters.

The company contributes resources to aid Red Cross projects nationwide, including financial support, forklift safety and operation training, natural disaster relief, equipment donations and more. Notably, in the midst of Hurricane Ian’s devastation last year, Toyota took charge of assisting Red Cross community restoration efforts by donating the use of 43 material handling equipment units, and providing a $100,000 donation. Toyota associates donated 84 units of blood dedicated to victims of the disaster. Since 2020, Toyota associates have donated more than 1,500 units of blood to the American Red Cross, impacting more than 2,500 lives.

Throughout the year, Toyota supports the Red Cross through corporate giving and a heightened level of volunteerism. The company provides office associates 16 hours of paid volunteer time each year, while shop associates receive eight hours of paid volunteer time. A percentage of those hours are earmarked for the Red Cross, fulfilling Toyota’s mantra of “Helping People Carry the Load.”

“At Toyota Material Handling, our dedication to the community is an integral part of our DNA,” said Tracy Stachniak, Toyota Material Handling Vice President of Human Resources. “It goes beyond our daily operations and extends to the very heart of the communities we serve. Our partnership with the American Red Cross stands as a testament to that dedication, reflecting our belief in giving back to the communities that have supported us for so long.”

“We are fortunate to live in a time and a place where the human resources can be brought to bear for life’s sake and for better health,” said Cindy Frey, president of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. “It is a real pleasure for the chamber to be a part of this dedication today.”

Learn more about Toyota Material Handling’s unique partnership with American Red Cross and the impact on the communities the company serves by downloading the 2023 Toyota Material Handling CSR Report or by clicking here.