Toyota recently opened a new $800-million manufacturing plant outside of Tupelo, Miss., to assemble the Corolla. As the company’s 14th North American plant, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi (TMMMS) will have the annual capacity to produce 150,000 vehicles and will employ nearly 2,000 people.
"Building vehicles where we sell them helps us be even closer to our customers," said Toyota Motor Corporation president Akio Toyoda. "The U.S. market remains a key to Toyota’s overall success, and Toyota Mississippi will play an important role for us here."
"Toyota chose Mississippi for its dedicated, talented workforce, and I know they will enjoy great success at their newest facility," said Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour. "We are proud to be the home of Toyota, and we look forward to a long and successful relationship with our newest corporate partner."
"Mississippi has provided us with a great workforce that welcomes challenges and is eager to learn," said Masafumi Hamaguchi, president of TMMMS. "Our slogan is: 'Always look for the best way, using our pioneer spirit.' The Mississippi workforce has shown that they have this spirit."
Toyota’s Buffalo, W. Va., engine plant will supply all engines for Corolla production at TMMMS. Cylinder heads and blocks for those engines are produced at Toyota’s Bodine Aluminum castings plants located in Troy, Mo., and Jackson, Tenn.
For more information, visit www.toyota.com.