TOTO Ltd. Inaugurates First Production Facility In Western Asia - Operations Commence At India Plant

Halol, India /PRNewswire/ - TOTO Ltd. announced today the establishment of a manufacturing facility in Halol, in Gujarat. Operations at the company's new India plant are already underway. As a world-leading manufacturer of sanitaryware, TOTO has installed cutting-edge equipment and will be expanding its sanitaryware operations into other parts of Western Asia too.

As part of its corporate vision, TOTO has earmarked the 'overseas housing equipment business' as a core growth driver under the TOTO V-Plan 2017, the company's long-term management plan covering the period leading up to its centenary (announced in 2009, revised in May 2014). Having positioned India in particular as a key new market, the company started construction of its first production facility in India in 2012. To mark the start of operations at the plant, an opening ceremony took place today.

The occasion was graced by the presence of Ms. Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat State, who attended the opening ceremony to cut the tape and officially declare the opening of the plant. On behalf of companies investing in TOTO India Industries Private Limited, the ceremony was attended by Takashi Yamauchi, Executive Vice President of Mitsui & Co. Ltd. On behalf of TOTO, it was attended by Madoka Kitamura, TOTO President and Representative Director and Kazuo Watanabe, President at TOTO Asia Oceania Pte. Ltd. (TOTO Executive Officer and General Manager of the Asia Oceania Division).

Marking the start of operations at TOTO's India Plant, Mr. Madoka Kitamura, President and Representative Director, TOTO Ltd. said, "As we commence operations at this plant, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to all those involved at the local level from Gujarat State, and everyone from Mitsui & Co. Ltd., for their generous support up to this point. With production facilities in Southeast Asia, the Americas and China, TOTO has continued to draw on advanced manufacturing technologies developed in Japan to provide local customers with the very best in hygienic plumbing equipment. Now that we have the capacity to manufacture TOTO sanitaryware here in India, at the heart of Western Asia, we will be able to supply TOTO manufacturing technology throughout the country, as India continues to develop. We are committed to developing our business in partnership with the local community, so that we can establish roots here in Gujarat and earn the affection of people throughout India, now and in the future. I hope that everyone in India will come to know and love TOTO sanitaryware products, and continue to use them as a hygienic part of their everyday lives for many years to come."

Cutting-Edge Equipment at the India Plant
The India Plant is TOTO's newest plant, equipped with the very latest in manufacturing technology and equipment. It is a substantial manufacturing facility, covering approximately 45 acres, and will manufacture products for overseas markets as well as the domestic market in India. Ahead of the company's centenary in 2017, TOTO is aiming to establish itself as the number one manufacturer of sanitaryware in India. The establishment of this plant will enable TOTO to strengthen its sales network throughout India (around 90 showrooms), and to supply products for other markets too, including the Middle East andEurope.

- The exterior of the India Plant

- Outline of the New Plant

Products
Manufactured: Sanitaryware
Location: Plot-A, GIDC Phase-II, Halol Industrial Area, Chandrapura, Halol, Panchmahal 389350, Gujarat
Investment: 6　billion JPY (approximately 10 million USD)
Employees: 500
Details Site area: 180,000m2
Buildings: 60,000m2
Production capacity: 500,000 units/year

About TOTO Ltd.
Established in 1917, TOTO has since expanded into overseas markets and continues to operate on the basis of improving plumbing and comfort for people all over the world. TOTO is headquartered in Kitakyushu, Japan. TOTO also listed itself on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1945 (5332:JP).

TOTO's overseas operations currently span 17 countries worldwide, with a workforce numbering in excess of 25,000 employees globally. In particular, it has established unrivalled levels of brand recognition and trust in North America, China and the rest of Asia.

In Japan, TOTO is preparing to mark its centenary in 2017, as the country's oldest manufacturer of housing equipment. It boasts the leading share of the domestic market, where it has harnessed water management technologies, including water-saving toilets and washlets, to build a long history as a manufacturer shaping Japanese lifestyles. TOTO commenced operations in India in earnest in 2011, when it established a local subsidiary in Mumbai. Website: http://www.toto.co.jp/en/index.htm

Primary Media Contact: Ms. Nariko Yamashita, nariko.yamashita@jp.toto.com, +81368362025, Public Relations Manager,TOTO Ltd.

Secondary Media Contact: Shreela Roy, shreela.roy@edelman.com, +91-9820149119, Senior Account Manager, Edelman India