CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) – Toyota is expanding its U.S. manufacturing presence to meet rising demand for hybrid vehicles.
The company announced a $912 million investment that will create 252 new jobs across five manufacturing plants nationwide. The goal is to boost hybrid production capacity and add hybrid-electric Corollas to its lineup.
One major beneficiary is Toyota’s Buffalo, West Virginia plant. Of the $912 million total, the facility will receive $453 million and add 80 new jobs. These positions will support increased assembly of 4-cylinder hybrid-compatible engines, sixth-generation hybrid transaxles and rear motor stators. The expansion is set to begin production in 2027 and will introduce new shift patterns.
“Toyota’s $453 million investment in the Buffalo, W.V., plant is a testament to the incredible work already being done at the facility and a vote of confidence in our state’s workforce. I am thrilled they are expanding their operations in my district to increase hybrid engine production beyond the 1 million engines currently being produced annually,” said West Virginia U.S. Congresswoman Carol Miller. “This incredible investment will bring 80 new, high-quality jobs to the community. This announcement comes on the heels of Toyota’s previous commitment to develop a new on-site childcare center for their employees at the facility. Toyota continues to invest in their workforce and enrich our communities. I couldn’t be happier to have them here in West Virginia!”
Toyota West Virginia currently assembles more than one million engines, transmissions and hybrid transaxles each year and represents a $3.3 billion investment.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said, “Toyota’s continued investment in West Virginia demonstrates that our workforce, business climate and communities deliver real results for companies. This investment, which creates 80 new jobs for hard-working West Virginians, reflects a strong confidence in our people and in the strength of our economy. We are proud to see Toyota continue to grow in the Mountain State as they build world-class technology and drive the future of American manufacturing. I want to thank Toyota for believing in our workers, our communities and our shared future.”
“I am thrilled to learn about Toyota’s latest investment in West Virginia and their ongoing trust in our talented West Virginian auto workers. After visiting Toyota’s plant in Buffalo just last week, I was amazed by the scale of the facilities and Toyota’s dedication to continued growth in our state. I celebrate the addition of 80 more West Virginian jobs to the more than 2,000 jobs that the plant already provides, and I look forward to the continued partnership between Toyota and our state for many years to come,” said U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito.
David Rosier, President of Toyota West Virginia, said this investment supports the state’s future.
“Our plant in West Virginia is the only plant in North America that can produce a hybrid transaxle. Once this investment’s complete, 100% of the product that we make at our plant will be hybrid compatible,” Rosier said.
In Kentucky, Toyota’s largest global plant, located in Georgetown, will add 82 new jobs and receive $204.4 million. The investment will fund an all-new machining line for 4-cylinder hybrid-compatible engines expected to launch in 2027.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said, “I want to thank Toyota for once again investing in our people and the company’s largest global manufacturing facility in Georgetown. The Kentucky-Toyota partnership has driven decades of success, and I am proud to see that relationship grow even stronger.”
The Kentucky powertrain facility can assemble up to 700,000 units each year and employs nearly 10,000 people. The plant represents an investment of more than $11 billion.
“I commend Toyota for their strong commitment to American workers through their new, $912 million investment in the United States, including $204.4 million for the Georgetown plant right in the heart of Kentucky,” said Kentucky U.S. Congressman Andy Barr. “As the largest vehicle manufacturing facility in the world, the Georgetown facility employs over 10,000 Kentuckians and will continue to grow thanks to this investment. Toyota’s expansion across the country will create hundreds of good-paying jobs, strengthen America’s manufacturing base, and drive economic growth in our communities. I thank Toyota for their continued commitment to investing in the United States and advancing American manufacturing.”
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Leave a Comment