TOTO Launches State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility in Gujarat, India, as Part of Centenary Vision Plan

MORROW, Ga., Sept. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- TOTO, the largest plumbing manufacturer in the world with $5.1 billion dollars in annual sales, announced today that, as it did in North America where it operates three major manufacturing facilities, the company has commenced manufacturing at its first plant in Southern Asia. The new 645,834 square-foot factory in Gujarat, India, which sits atop a 44-acre site, will produce 500,000 toilets annually to service the fast-growing Indian market and the company's subsidiaries in Europe and the Middle East.

As it did in North America, TOTO entered the Indian market by investing heavily in the local economy and becoming a major provider of jobs for its citizens. The newly-minted TOTO India Industries, Ltd., will hire 500 Indian employees to staff the new plant.

Marketing to the Americas through its subsidiary TOTO USA, Inc., which marks its 25^th anniversary this year, the TOTO Global Group will celebrate its centenary in 2017. As part of its corporate vision plan for the run up to its centennial, the TOTO Group has focused significant attention on its international housing products business through its subsidiaries worldwide. The company sees this market sector as contributing heavily to its future growth and, to this end, has identified India for the establishment of its newest subsidiary. Investing upwards of $57 million dollars in this emerging market, TOTO began the design and construction of its first production plant in India in 2009. With the completion of the new factory, TOTO plans to establish itself as India's primary plumbing manufacturer. The company will now set about to dramatically increase its nationwide sales network, which currently numbers 90 kitchen and bath showrooms.

Among the notables attending the new plant's ribbon-cutting ceremony were Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister of the State of Gujarat; Takashi Yamauchi, Executive Vice President of Mitsui & Co., Ltd.; Madoka Kitamura, President and Representative Director of the TOTO Global Group; and Kazuo Watanabe, President of TOTO Asia Oceania, Ltd.

Addressing the assembled dignitaries, Kitamura opened his remarks by stating, "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." The new Indian plant will enable TOTO to provide its citizens with technologically-advanced, water-efficient toilets. TOTO is committed, Kitamura continued, "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." Kitamura closed by saying, "I hope that everyone in India will come to know and love TOTO products, and continue to use them as a hygienic part of their everyday lives for many years to come."

Speaking from Morrow, GA, where, in 1996, TOTO launched a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant and began production of premium residential plumbing products, Daijiro Nogata, CEO of TOTO USA, Inc., said, "We congratulate the management and staff of TOTO India on the launch of their new factory. This expansion of the TOTO Global Group's production capacity is a great success story. We look forward to working along side our newest subsidiary as the TOTO Group continues to lead the international plumbing industry. Together, we will continue striving to contribute to the betterment of people's lives throughout the world." 

About TOTO:

TOTO USA is headquarters for the Americas Division of the TOTO Global Group, which was established in 1917 with the founding of TOTO, Ltd., in Kitakyushu, Japan. TOTO is the largest plumbing manufacturer in the world with $5.1 billion dollars in annual sales. To date, TOTO has produced more than 60 million plumbing fixtures. Today, this international company maintains 25,000 employees in 69 offices around the world and owns manufacturing facilities in Japan, Mexico, the USA, China and Europe with an affiliated network of more than 80 production facilities worldwide. With over 1,500 engineers on staff and three centers devoted solely to research and development, TOTO is the undisputed global leader in product innovation, precision engineering, high design, and sustainability in products that are designed to meet people's real world needs. Exemplified in the company's philosophy – People-First Innovation -- TOTO offers consumers elegant luxury products that save money and water without sacrificing an ounce of performance and the peace of mind that comes from knowing they purchased a brand that sets the standard for world-class performance, enduring quality, and reliability. Winner of numerous domestic and international awards and recognitions, TOTO is the only plumbing manufacturer honored as Water Efficiency Leader by the Environmental Protection Agency. TOTO continues to raise industry standards and consumer expectations as to what is possible in the bath space, as it connects people with water in ways that enrich the flow of their daily lives.

For more information, consumers may visit www.totousa.com or call 1.888.295.8134, Option 5. Follow TOTO on Twitter (@TOTOUSA) and become a TOTO fan on Facebook

Safe Harbor Statement

The statements contained in this press release, which are not strictly historical, are "forward-looking statements," as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the Company's expectations and are subject to various business risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "targets," "goals," "projects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are only predictions that speak as of the date hereof and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof. TOTO USA, INC., undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in the expectations of its management with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements are based.

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