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July 06, 2023

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JKL’s winning formula helps drive Toyota’s success

Principles, people and commitment define the philosophy upon which JKL Technologies Inc. and its long-term client, Toyota Motor North America Inc., have built a solid, thriving partnership.

An information technology solutions firm founded in 1995, JKL employs more than 70 consultants highly trained in project management implementation processes – including audio and video conference technologies who provide services for major international corporations in the auto, entertainment, insurance and technology industries.

“Our array of services is not unique, but my 35 years of experience as an international entrepreneur has taught me many invaluable lessons on how to do it better than others,” said Mike Ireland, JKL Technologies’ owner.

In 2019, JKL Technologies was named IT Procurement Cost Reduction Supplier by Toyota in recognition of its commitment to efficiency and productivity.

“We are about delivering better and faster than others – and building a relationship and reputation based upon dependability,” he said. 

Paving the way

Through quality service and delivery, and by building relationships across Toyota, JKL has earned the opportunity to grow and expand its areas of responsibility over the course of its eight years supporting Toyota.

Specifically, JKL has been supportive in Toyota’s transformation in technology because of its internal merging of various operations, construction of the auto giant’s new North American headquarters in Plano, Texas, and the rapid changes in the automotive world. Within this process, JKL has deployed standardized processes and technologies that help to maintain Toyota’s industry-leading technology infrastructure.

“JKL’s winning formula is building strong and respectful relationships with every department – from the business units to procurement – and taking the initiative to look for opportunities where they can add more value,” said Bonnie Clinton, Toyota’s vice president and CPO of indirect procurement. 

“While working on another project, they recognized that we were not scheduling and canceling conference room reservations as efficiently as we should be, and created an effective solution,” she added.

JKL now delivers conference room/collaboration and networking solutions for Toyota.

“They have been a strategic and valued business partner for us, and delivery is of the highest quality,” said Jason Ballard, Toyota OneTech’s general manager of digital platform engineering. “Their attention to detail and partnership with Toyota has led us to steadily increase our business with them, and we look forward to continuing to grow together.” 

Ireland believes that solely staying within the guidelines of the contract does not serve clients well and does not create a productive partnership.

 “One of JKL’s philosophies is not only to deliver what the client is asking for but to take the initiative to think ‘outside the box’ to formulate options and recommendations that may be beneficial to all even if it is not readily accepted,” Ireland said.

Driving forward

JKL continues to invest in itself to further prepare for the exciting changes and advancements within Toyota and its ever-growing goals for the future of the industry-leading automaker.

“JKL has been a key minority partner for us over the last eight-plus years,” said Holly Walters, who is Toyota Motor North America’s chief information officer.

“Beyond the successful delivery of services, which is very important to us, JKL has been a wonderful business partner, engaging with our teams to innovate, reduce costs and increase quality of service,” she added.  “They have invested in their business to support our needs, as well as investing back in us by adjusting when we’ve needed to manage costs.”

Within the past several years, JKL has expanded its services to Toyota into the network and physical infrastructure services and has been very active in developing the team to respond to these opportunities through strategic growth and acquisition.

“With Toyota’s huge endeavor in the North Carolina battery plant, we look forward to participating as a valuable partner to ensure its success,” Ireland said. 

“As part of this program, one of our goals is to open up a new office in Kentucky to better serve and support the numerous Toyota facilities within driving distance for this location,” he added.

Although JKL had past experiences in these new areas, this was the first time it was able to provide them to Toyota.

“There are always unexpected challenges that arise, especially with a company the size of Toyota,” Ireland said. “But we take great pride in our agility and ability to respond to Toyota’s needs, and contributing wherever and however we can to support its position as the very best auto manufacturer in the world.”

To learn more about JKL Technologies, visit cos-jkl.com.

To learn more about Toyota Motor North America Inc., visit toyota.com.