@Toyota: Toyota Tennessee Celebrates Twenty Years on the Block

 Jackson plant marks two decades of manufacturing with $100,000 in community donations

JACKSON, Tenn. (June 13, 2023) – Since breaking ground in 2003, Toyota Tennessee has set the standard in advanced manufacturing, collaboration and community engagement. To honor that legacy, community and nonprofit leaders gathered today to celebrate the automaker’s 20th anniversary of manufacturing in the region.

“We are grateful for the success and the relationships built in Jackson over the past 20 years,” said Wes Woods, president of Toyota Tennessee. “Core to our success is the dedication of our team; their drive for innovation and continuous improvement ensures we produce high-quality products that our customers need. We are excited to continue working with our partners and investing in this community.”

Toyota Tennessee is one of nine Toyota plants in the United States and employs more than 400 people with a total investment of $425 million. The plant can produce 2.5 million engine blocks and transmission casings and housing every year that go into every Toyota and Lexus vehicle assembled in North America. From the all-new Tundra to the recently revealed, all-new Tacoma, each vehicle gets its start at the facility as critical engine components are produced using advanced die-casting technologies.

“Tennessee is a national leader in the automotive industry thanks to our unmatched business climate, central location and a workforce development strategy tailored to meet the needs of our state’s growing economy,” said Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. “For the last 20 years, Toyota has been a key partner in creating good jobs and greater opportunity for Tennesseans, and I look forward to its continued success in West Tennessee.”

Toyota Tennessee, formerly Bodine Aluminum, marked its 20th anniversary by awarding five Jackson area nonprofits with donations totaling $100,000 to support their ongoing work in the community. Partners honored include:

  • Boys & Girls Club of Jackson;
  • Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse;
  • Jackson-Madison County School System, to support bringing the GreenpowerUSA electric race car program to Madison County students;
  • RIFA, Madison County’s largest food bank;
  • And the STAR Center, workforce development programs for people with disabilities.

Toyota Tennessee has invested more than $2 million into local nonprofits, reflecting the company’s commitment to helping improve the communities where it operates. Employees also volunteer their time and talents supporting local activities such as park clean up and beautification efforts, educating students about STEM career opportunities and serving as board members. Toyota is also the founding partner of the Jackson State Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program, which has graduated more than 130 students into manufacturing careers.

Toyota Tennessee has invested more than $2 million into local nonprofits, reflecting the company’s commitment to helping improve the communities where it operates. Employees also volunteer their time and talents supporting local activities such as park clean up and beautification efforts, educating students about STEM career opportunities and serving as board members. Toyota is also the founding partner of the Jackson State Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program, which has graduated more than 130 students into manufacturing careers.

“Jackson is fortunate to have many great employers like Toyota Tennessee in our community,” said AJ Massey, Madison County Mayor. “Toyota has demonstrated time and time again not only its commitment to high-quality products and stable employment for its team members, but also its belief in our community. They lead as a strong partner to help make Jackson and Madison County better places to live and work.”

Toyota continues to invest heavily in its U.S. operations. In 2022, Toyota announced two investments in Toyota Tennessee totaling $53 million to support increased production of hybrid engine cases and housings and new four-cylinder engine blocks. Toyota is estimated to support more than 17,000 jobs in Tennessee when combining direct employees, direct dealer and Toyota-dedicated supplier employees.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. 

Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 22 electrified options.

To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

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