Toyota Motor North America on Wednesday announced a $27 million investment in Toyota Auto Body Company Inc. to support an increase in its production capabilities.
“Toyota’s roots in California run deep,” said Chris Reynolds, TMNA executive vice president, corporate resources. “This investment demonstrates our continued commitment to doing business in the Golden State, investing in our operations across the United States and building where we sell.”
The investment will equip TABC with the first coil-fed laser blanking line for TMNA, expand blanking capability to include steel and aluminum on the same line, and increase capacity to cut 5.6 million blanks annually.
In addition, the added capabilities will enable TABC to better support Tacoma pickup production at TMNA facilities in Baja California and Guanajuato, Mexico. The investment will also enable the transition of 25 TABC variable employees to permanent positions with Toyota.
“Today’s investment reflects our team’s pledge to produce high-quality products for Toyota vehicles assembled in North America,” said TABC President Jim Zehmer. “We look forward to continuing our critical role in Toyota’s continued growth.”
Founded in 1972, TABC is Toyota’s oldest plant in North America. It supports the stamping and welding of parts for Tacoma and past model service parts for multiple North American-produced Toyota vehicles. The facility employs more than 350 people and represents a $485 million investment.
