Toro releases 2023 Sustainability Impact report
The Toro Co., released its Sustainability Impact Report for fiscal 2023, highlighting key achievements and progress made towards its strategic priorities of accelerating profitable growth, achieving operational excellence and empowering people.
“For over a century, we have embraced the duty of being good stewards of the land for the customers, industries and communities we serve,” said Richard M. Olson, chairman and CEO. “Inspired by the work we are doing today and eager to continue advancing our goals, we are excited to share our progress and provide the latest updates in our sustainability journey. By maintaining a positive relationship with the environment and those that inhabit it, not only can we be good stewards of resources, but we can also help preserve the landscapes we treasure for another 100 years and beyond.”
The report provides progress and metrics related to the previously identified company goals including:
- Increase battery and hybrid product sales to at least 20 percent of total adjusted net sales (motorized product sales) by fiscal 2025.
- Reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by at least 15 percent by fiscal 2025 as compared to fiscal 2019.
- Increase the number of women and racial and ethnic minorities in leadership positions by at least 20 percent by fiscal 2025 as compared to fiscal 2021.
Toro takes an integrated approach based on three key pillars – People, Product and Process.
People achievements in fiscal 2023 include:
- Partnered in launching the Minnesota Center for Electrification Opportunity with the University of Minnesota’s Technological Leadership Institute to lead workforce development training and increase economic competitiveness in electrification infrastructure.
- Focused on expanding Employee Resource Groups across the organization, Toro’s Women’s Initiative Network completed its first mentorship program in 2023 and saw membership increase by over 30 percent since 2022.
- Awarded over $400,000 in scholarships to 166 students.
Product achievements in fiscal 2023 include:
- Leveraged HammerHead’s Bluelight LED Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) technology to repair underground pipes, effectively tackling infrastructure and conservation challenges for customers while preserving landscapes.
- Recognized for the ninth consecutive year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with a 2023 WaterSense Excellence Award for promoting water efficiency and conservation.
- Advanced energy efficiency by providing customers, partners and communities with electric equipment to help reduce their carbon footprint.
- Partnered with the American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA) and Univision to launch the ‘California CORE Project,’ a rebate program for battery-powered landscaping equipment to encourage the adoption of zero-emission products.
- With support from our Trencor business, we provided trenching equipment to help construct a 5-mile-long underground wall in Everglades National Park. The goal was to separate water for wildlife, reduce runoff from homes, and safeguard the natural habitats crucial for numerous animal species.
Operational achievements in fiscal 2023 include:
- Expanded LED lighting across the majority of facilities, resulting in cost savings and a notable reduction in carbon footprint.
- Conducted energy practice assessments to develop a strategic roadmap for increased renewable incorporation into Toro’s global operations.
- At our ISO9001:2015 registered facility in Iron Mountain, Mich., a powder paint line system not only meets rigorous quality standards but also includes an innovative venting tunnel that allows for efficiently redirecting warm exhaust air back into the building, reducing heat costs.
- Organized an Electronic Waste (eWaste) recycling event for employees in Tomah, Wisc., utilizing the organization’s business eWaste processor to efficiently handle and recycle electronic waste.
The full sustainability report, which was prepared with reference to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), can be found here.
Felling Trailers to host tour stop for ‘AEM Manufacturing Express’
AEM member Felling Trailers, along with its team members, will be recognized as an industry leader for its contributions to the local community and manufacturing industry on July 16. The event will highlight Felling’s initiative to provide high-level training through their weld training center, powder coat facility and throughout their plant. The event will also be a celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary.
“This tour serves as a uniquely valuable opportunity to reflect on the people who have made that happen and where we want to take things over the next half-century,“ stated Brenda Jennissen, CEO.
The “AEM Manufacturing Express” will make its tenth stop on its national tour at Felling Trailers. The tour covers more than 20 states with 80 stops at equipment manufacturers to showcase the cutting-edge technology and innovations that power modern equipment, as well as the innovative technologies, processes, people and products revolutionizing this industry across America.
“We are thrilled to be joining with so many community leaders and supporters of Felling Trailers for this amazing opportunity to highlight the importance of American off-highway equipment manufacturing in Sauk Centre on July 16,” stated Megan Tanel, AEM president. “The ‘AEM Manufacturing Express’ is more than just a bus tour; it is an opportunity to tell the stories of the men and women of our industry in Sauk Centre and highlight how their grit, determination and can-do spirit has been pivotal to the American way of life.“
Bobcat breaks ground for Mexico manufacturing facility
Bobcat Co. held a ceremonial groundbreaking on June 13 for its new, $300-million manufacturing facility in Mexico.
Located in the Salinas Victoria municipality, outside of Monterrey in the state of Neuvo Leon, Mexico, the 700,000-square-foot facility is expected to be operational in 2026.
The new location, which was announced in 2023, will expand Bobcat’s existing global footprint to create additional production capacity and manufacturing capabilities for select compact track and skid-steer loader models. Bobcat’s compact loaders are also produced in the U.S. and the Czech Republic where production will remain following the new facility opening.
“We have seen tremendous growth across our business, and this new facility will support our long-range plans for increased production to meet customer demand,” said Scott Park, Doosan Bobcat CEO and vice chairman. “This groundbreaking represents our commitment to our customers—present and future—who are ready to accomplish more with our equipment.”
The new factory is expected to create 600 to 800 jobs in the region.
“We look forward to growing our manufacturing footprint in the Salinas Victoria community for its excellent industrial sector, skilled workforce and strong business environment,” said Mike Ballweber, Doosan Bobcat North America president. “Our investment here demonstrates our confidence in this manufacturing environment and thriving local economy.”
Barreto reveals winner of 40th Anniversary sweepstakes
Barreto Manufacturing named the winner of the custom, all-black, 40th Anniversary edition tiller, Don’s Rentals in St. Helens, Ore. The sweepstakes offered Barreto Manufacturing an opportunity to show appreciation to the rental community that has supported them for the last 40 years.
Don’s Rentals is a longtime Barreto customer and fellow Oregon-based business. The sweepstakes ran from January 15 to March 31 and was open to rental stores nationwide. The custom tiller was brought to the ARA Show Floor to be featured alongside other production equipment.
Don’s Rentals is led by owner Dave Dworschak, who grew up working in and around the shop opened by his father in 1958. It began as “Don’s Appliance Service,” and they repaired broken home appliances like vacuums and toasters. In 1967, the store began providing rental services to the local community.
Dave accepted the call notifying him of his win while coincidentally alongside Barreto’s CFO, Jackie Leonard, at a California Rental Association Associate Member Liaison Committee meeting in San Diego, Calif.
When asked about his advice to other rental businesses looking to grow their fleets, Dave said, “I prefer to buy the right equipment the first time… Barreto equipment is not cheap, but you will earn so much more in the many years to come.“
