Toyota Alabama will invest $222 million in its Huntsville operations as part of its plans to create a new four-cylinder production line, according to a company announcement made Tuesday.
The investment will enable Toyota Alabama to produce engines for both combustion and hybrid electric powertrains, the company advised.
The automotive manufacturer’s Huntsville facility expansion will see the plant grow by 114,000 square feet. This marks the sixth expansion the company has undertaken at the facility since 2003.
Toyota’s Rocket City investment is part of an overall $383 million injection into its United States operation.
Toyota Alabama’s overall investment in the Yellowhammer State sits at nearly $1.5 billion, which has enabled the company to hold the capacity to build 900,000 engines annually.
Toyota Alabama president Jason Puckett attributes the company’s success to its workforce.
“It’s our dedicated workforce that continues to drive Toyota Alabama forward,” stated Puckett in a release. “Our team members’ commitment to building world-class engines is why Toyota has invested in our plant eight times, and why we continue to play a vital role Toyota’s electrified future.”
Joining the company in celebrating the announcement was Gov. Kay Ivey, who hailed Toyota as being a “great partner” for the state.
“Toyota has been a great partner for Alabama, and its expansion projects at the Huntsville engine plant have always played an important role in the world-class automaker’s growth plans,” said Ivey. “This significant new investment in Alabama will once again help power Toyota’s strategic efforts to prepare for the future in a fast-changing industry.”
According to Mayor Tommy Battle, Toyota Motor Manufacturing (TMMAL) is the “engine that drives Huntsville.”
“Many people often ask what is the engine that drives Huntsville? I proudly tell them it is companies like Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama that drive Huntsville’s economy,” proclaimed Battle. “This latest announcement for TMMAL’s sixth expansion is another indication of the company’s confidence in our workforce and its commitment and investment into our community and future.”
Madison County Commission chairman Dale Strong spoke to the partnership Toyota holds with Huntsville area leadership.
“Today’s announcement by Toyota is yet another example of their 20-year commitment to our region,” advised Strong. “Over those years they have become an important part of our community and a model of how public-private partnerships can work.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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