When it was founded in 1926, ToyodaAutomaticLoomWorks (as it was thenknown) manufactured automatic fabric loomsthatcoulddetectproblemsandshut downautomatically.
Toyota Industries, known until 2001 as Toyoda Automatic LoomWorks (precursor of the auto giant), assembles cars and makes auto parts, forklifts and, as the former name suggests, textile manufacturing gear.
Toyota, which started as a division of the Toyota Automatic LoomWorks, managed to develop a worldwide presence and reputation, survived a number of seismic recalls and some actual seismic activity is celebrating its 75th anniversary.