Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing has announced plans to expand its North American corporate headquarters in Columbus. Company officials say that construction is expected to begin this month. They add that this $17.5 million investment will add more than 150,000 square feet, bringing the facility’s total space to 1.3 million square feet.

TIEM explains that the goal of the expansion is to reduce internal logistics route distance by 50 percent, as well as expand space for the business’ growing aftermarket parts enterprise.

“This is an important step to position Toyota Industrial Equipment for the future,” said Tony Miller, senior vice president at TIEM. “This expansion will enable us to improve our operations, drive out waste and reduce total lead time,” said Miller.

Toyota completed a $16 million dollar expansion at this facility in 2015, which added more than 50,000 square feet. The company grew further in Columbus earlier this year when it constructed a fitness and wellness facility for associates and their families.

TIEM officials did not give a timetable for when they expect this latest expansion to be completed.