Building on Success
As we progress further into 2023, I’m happy to report that Takeuchi-US continues to increase the number of compact track loaders assembled in our new Moore, SC facility. Since last September, we’ve experienced double-digit increases in production of the TL12 model each month. We’re now starting to produce other models there as well, introducing the TL6 to the production line. We’ll continue to introduce other models into production through the summer. In fact, by August, all compact track loader models for the U.S. market will come from our Moore, SC facility. To make this happen, Takeuchi continues to invest in the facility, bringing our new slat conveyor and overhead crane system online and breaking ground on new loading docks.
We’re also investing in our people. Our recruiting and training efforts have been a big win for us as we have added many talented and essential employees to our team. And thanks to a great team effort, we were able to celebrate the 1,000th TL12 produced in the Moore facility in April. We were also humbled to receive a Top Workplaces award for South Carolina based on surveys from our Moore, SC employees. This award demonstrates how our management team and team leads are encouraging our new employees to embrace the “Takeuchi way” and motivating them to produce the best possible machines.
While our production team is working hard in SC, the distribution staff in Pendergrass, GA aren’t going to be outdone. 2023 started off fast as we exhibited at the American Rental Association (ARA) Show and ConExpo, with great booth traffic at both events. We introduced the new TB350R, adding to our lineup of reduced tail swing excavators, as well as the new TB395W wheeled unit. We will also be participating in the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ (AEM) Celebration of Construction outside the Smithsonian on the National Mall in Washington, DC, May 14-16. There, Takeuchi will highlight our machine innovations, attachment offerings and our new TB20e all-electric compact excavator. We will also attend Farm Progress, a new show for Takeuchi this year, so come visit us there in Decatur, IL, August 29-31.
David Ceja 1992-2023
Clearly, Takeuchi is having a very productive year and moving forward in many ways. But we are not immune to setbacks or losses. In March, we lost one of our machine prep teammates, David Ceja. His passing was sudden and unexpected, happening while most of our management team was out of the office at a trade show and unable to return in time for his funeral. David had been with us for almost eight years, starting as a temp and becoming a machine prep lead. I was extremely humbled to learn how many Takeuchi employees/teammates showed up to his service—not because we asked them to go, but because it was the right thing to do. This reinforces my belief that as Takeuchi continues to invest in “doing what is right” as a core value, it shows in ways that really matter.
Throughout my life, I’ve been privileged to lead US Marines, service technicians, prisoners and Takeuchi team members. To say that I’m proud of this group of Takeuchi team members in Georgia and South Carolina is an understatement. They continue to impress me day after day with their resolve, innovation and a true desire to do what is right. We don’t always do things perfectly, but we work hard to constantly improve. It’s my hope and desire that you, our extended Takeuchi family, see their efforts. Thank you for your continued support of the Takeuchi brand and family.
Jeff Stewart