New workspace provides meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities
SAN ANTONIO (July 19, 2024) – In June, Toyota Texas celebrated the opening of the new ToyotAbility Production Center (TPC), a dedicated workspace within the plant that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in subcomponent work. The TPC has six employees that have produced more than 240,000 parts to date that contribute to vehicle assembly.
“We are proud to celebrate the opening of the ToyotAbility Production Center as a beacon within Toyota Texas that embraces and employs individuals with different abilities,” said Susann Kazunas, Toyota Texas president. “The work our employees do in the TPC every day is essential to assembling Tundras and Sequoias, and I am grateful they are a part of Team Texas.”
The ToyotAbility Business Partnering Group (BPG) was the driving force behind the TPC, a project more than five years in the making. Toyota’s BPGs are volunteer, employee-driven organizations that work to support business objectives as well as strengthen the collection of innovative ideas and voices that represent the future of Toyota. ToyotAbility’s mission is to support individuals and groups across a broad spectrum of visible, invisible, temporary and permanent disabilities within and beyond the walls of Toyota.
“The goal of the ToyotAbility Production Center is simple: provide meaningful job opportunities and truly embrace our future as Toyota makes the transformation to a mobility company – dedicated to providing mobility for all,” said Rob Franklin, Toyota Texas general manager of body operations and ToyotAbility executive sponsor.
“I graduated from Texas A&M University San Antonio in 2021, and it was difficult for me to find a job. Thank you to Toyota for giving me my first job,” said Beaux-Michael Palkin, TPC employee. “All of us here are very grateful to work at Toyota Texas and really appreciate the time and effort everyone has given to help us be successful and part of the Toyota family.”
The TPC was created in collaboration with Texas Workforce Solutions, Mission Road Development Center and ResourceMFG Staffing. The ribbon cutting ceremony gathered these partners along with Toyota Texas employees, local government officials and community leaders to celebrate this milestone in Toyota’s commitment to inclusion in the workplace.
“The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) strives to empower all Texans with the skills and resources they need to prosper,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers, Joe Esparza. “Looking to our abilities community for motivated employees is great for business and encourages others to enter the workforce at all levels of opportunity. I commend ToyotAbility Production Center in San Antonio for their [work] with [Texas Workforce Solutions] to open this facility in the heart of their manufacturing operations.”
For nearly two decades, Toyota Texas has rolled out top-quality trucks and SUVs with more than 181,000 vehicles assembled last year. The plant employs more than 3,700 people in San Antonio.
“San Antonio is a vibrant place to live and work, and the city is full of a diverse, talented workforce that is ready to contribute,” said City of San Antonio District 3 Councilwoman, Phyllis Viagran. “We are proud that Toyota Texas is giving opportunities for meaningful work to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities right here in City Council District 3.”
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 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 34 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 29 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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