Toyota includes U.S. site in 'sustainable plant' list

RP news wires, Noria Corporation
Tags: energy management

On December 25, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announced the designation of four overseas production subsidiaries as model plants for carrying out "sustainable plant" activities. The four plants are in addition to TMC's Tsutsumi Plant in Japan, at which TMC has been carrying out such activities since July.

"Sustainable plant" activities emphasize the role of nature in creating production sites that harmonize with their natural surroundings. TMC aims to create and operate such production sites with the following three perspectives in mind:

Achieving groundbreaking environmental performance by introducing innovative technology and kaizen (improvement) activities
Reducing CO2 by using renewable energy, including biomass and natural energy sources, such as solar power and wind power
Contributing to the local community and conserving the environment by planting trees at plants

The model plant chosen for the Americas is Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi, Inc. (TMMMS). This is a cutting-edge plant currently under construction in the U.S. state of Mississippi intended to begin operation around 2010. In addition to introducing an innovative line, TMMMS is also actively promoting tree-planting activities as part of an effort to live in harmony with the environment and the local community.

In Europe, the two model plants are Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. (TMUK) and Toyota Motor Manufacturing France S.A.S. (TMMF), while in Asia the model plant is Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd. (TMT).

In particular TMT's Ban Pho Plant, which became operational in January 2007, was constructed with the aim of being an innovative plant in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of its production technology and environmental response. For example, in addition to its cogeneration system and solar panels, the plant recycles wastewater, employs water-borne metallic paint at vehicle body paint lines and has achieved zero landfill waste from the beginning of its operations. TMT intends to begin planting trees at and around the plant in the near future.

TMC will formulate concrete initiatives for each plant giving consideration to the specific characteristics of each particular region and plant. In the future, it plans to gradually initiate the activities at other vehicle and component plants both in Japan and overseas to make sustainable plants a reality.

Overview of Designated Overseas Model Plants for 'Sustainable Plant' Activities

Region	Country	Company	Start of Production	Main Products
The Americas	U.S.	TMMMS	Around 2010	Highlander
Europe	U.K.	TMUK	1992	Avensis, Auris, engines
Europe	France	TMMF	2001	Yaris, engines (assembly)
Asia	Thailand	TMT	1964	IMV series, Camry, Corolla, Yaris, Soluna Vios, WISH