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The Story Behind TOTO Toilets & How It Became North America’s Premium Toilet Brand

Tuesday, March 29, 2022 , Posted by Bradhaw Plumbing

Have you ever wondered how a brand comes to prominence and becomes an industry leader? The story behind brands like TOTO is interesting. Do you have a TOTO toilet at home or your place of work? If you do, you are one of the millions of people worldwide. So, we thought it would be a good idea to tell you more about one of the brands we use, sell, and support.

TOTO Toilets is North America’s premium toilet brand. It is preferred by homeowners and recommended by plumbing professionals across the industry. But it wasn’t always this way. The company originated in Japan and over the years has grown into a global leader in the toilet and bathroom industry.

Below we tell you some of the key developments that have led to the company becoming North America’s premium toilet brand.

About TOTO

The company is based in Kitakyushu, Japan. Today it has production facilities in nine countries. It is a publicly traded company with over 30,000 employees. The name “toto” is an abbreviation of two Japanese names – Tōyō Tōki. This translates into English as Oriental Ceramics.

TOTO Motto:
Take pride in your work and strive to do your best.
Quality and Uniformity | Service and Trust | Cooperation and Prosperity

TOTO Philosophy:
“TOTO strives to create a great company that is trusted by people around the world and to contribute to the betterment of society.”

A Historical Timeline of TOTO Toilets

Here are the key moments that have led to the growth and expansion of the TOTO brand:

  • 1917: The company was established by Kazuchika Okura by the name TOYO TOKI CO, Ltd.
  • 1946: Post WWII the company expanded operations. It started manufacturing fittings and faucets in addition to ceramics.
  • 1963: Developed the first prefabrication bathroom module.
  • 1980: The official launch of the WASHLET
  • 1985: The Shampoo Dresser” bathroom vanity is introduced
  • 1989: TOTO U.S.A is founded. This is the fifth country the brand has expanded to
  • 1993: The NEOREST toilet is launched.
  • 2006: The company establishes the TOTO Water Environment Fund. WASHLET sales exceed 20 million
  • 2008: The company opens its Universal Design Research Center. The goal is to create products to accommodate people of all ages and physical abilities. TOTO USA is awarded the first EPA Water Efficiency Leadership Award
  • 2011: 30 million WASHLET shipped globally.
  • 2014: The company launched TOTO Global Environmental Vision

Check Out Our Selection Of Toto Toilets

Bradshaw Plumbing offers a large selection of Toto Toilets. We can help you find the toilet model that is the right fit for your bathroom. You can also learn more about the company on toto.com.

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