Toyo reorganizes structure, personnel

TOKYO—Toyo Tire Corp. is reorganizing its seismic rubber "task force," which was created in 2015 in response to a non-compliance products scandal.

The Japan-based group said it is now assigning repair works and customer follow-ups to its recall department and the customer relations department.

The move, to become effective April 1, will help to "facilitate time fulfilment" of customer demands, the group said in a Jan. 27 report.

Toyo created the seismic rubber task force in July 2015 after an outside investigation team reported the group's manufacture and sale of non-compliant seismic isolation rubber products in Japan.

With the new reorganization, the group's general recall and customer relations departments will respond to claims regarding rubber isolation parts.

Toyo also is rearranging its management teams, including changes of directors, audit and supervisory board members, and corporate officers, effective March 29.

Under the reorganization, Masaomi Kono, vice president of Toyo Tyre Sales and Marketing Malaysia, will serve as general manager, Europe, Africa & Middle East sales division.

Furthermore, Teppei Shigeno, president of Toyo Tyre U.K., will take over as general manager, Asia & Oceania sales department and Asia & Oceania sales division.

Yuji Miyazaki, vice president of production headquarters, will take over as chairman and CEO of Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing Inc., in addition to his current position.