Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM), a joint-venture between Mazda Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation, announced an additional $830 million investment into the new Alabama plant. This brings the total amount committed to the project to $2.311 billion, up from the $1.6 billion originally announced in 2018.
The money will go toward adding more cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to the production lines and providing enhanced trainman got its workforce, estimated to be up to 4,000 employees. These manufacturing technologies will support the to-be-announced Mazda crossover and Toyota SUV that will be produced at the plant.
Toyota recently introduced the 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross in global markets, but it’s not coming to America … yet.
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Corporation
“Toyota’s presence in Alabama continues to build excitement about future opportunities that lie ahead, both for our economy and for the residents of our great state,” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said. “Mazda and Toyota’s increased commitment to the development of this manufacturing plant reiterates their belief in the future of manufacturing in America and the potential for the state of Alabama to be an economic leader in the wake of unprecedented economic change.”
The new facility will have the capacity to produce up to 150,000 units of a future Mazda crossover vehicle and up to 150,000 units of the Toyota SUV each year. MTM has already hired approximately 600 employees to date, with plans to resume accepting applications for production positions later in 2020.
“Mazda Toyota Manufacturing is proud to call Alabama home. Through strong support from our state and local partners, we have been able to further incorporate cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, provide world-class training for team members and develop the highest quality production processes,” Mark Brazeal, VP of Administration at MTM said. “As we prepare for the start of production next year, we look forward to developing our future workforce and serving as a hometown company for many years to come.”
“This newest investment by our partners at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing shows the company’s continued confidence in the ability of our community to provide a strong, skilled workforce to meet the demands for quality and reliability. We look forward to the day when the first vehicles roll off the line,” said City of Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle.
“We are excited to learn of this additional investment being made by Mazda Toyota Manufacturing,” said Limestone County Commission Chairman Collin Daly. “We continue to be grateful to MTM for their belief in our county and look forward to our partnership with them for many years to come.”
Full-scale construction of the plant continues, with 75 to 100 percent completion on roofing, siding, floor slabs, ductwork, fire protection and electrical. Construction on the facility was hampered by the outbreak of COVID-19 causing a months-long delay in the projected opening of the facility.
