Toyota Invests 282 Million US Dollars To Increase Production At Alabama Factory

Toyota will increase its manufacturing capability in the United States (US) by investing USD 282 million (IDR 4.5 trillion) in factories in Huntsville, Alabama.

According to Toyota, the expansion of the factory line can add more than 350 new jobs with long-term stability while at the same time affirming its commitment to reinvesting profits in its operations in Uncle Sam's country.

"This new line will further increase the flexibility of the plant and reaffirm Toyota's commitment to our team and community," said Alabama Toyota President Jason Pucket, quoted from the manufacturer's official website, Thursday, June 6.

With this investment, the Japanese manufacturer has spent more than US$1.7 billion (Rp27.6 trillion) on Toyota Alabama. The plant has become a power plant and the company is adding new lines for drivetrain products.

Toyota Alabama is North America's largest engine manufacturer, employing more than 2,000 dedicated team members who assemble more than 770,000 engines by 2023.

Currently, Toyota Alabama' Huntsville plant has supplied engines to seven Toyota vehicle factories in North America, which drive models such as Corolla, Corolla Cross, Highlander, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, and Tundra.

Previously, Toyota also announced plans to build an entirely new three-line electric SUV in Indiana last April. They poured $1.4 billion into the factory and added a new battery assembly line.

The total investment in Toyota Indiana is $8 billion and will not only provide factory infrastructure to build new BEVs, but will also add to the assembly line for new battery packs using lithium-ion batteries supplied by Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina, which is planned to start operating by 2025.

This investment is expected to create up to 340 new, "high-quality" jobs and offer "long-term stability". Although specific details about the type of work have not been announced, it can be assumed that the available positions will focus on the production of batteries and electric crossovers.

It is known that Indiana's Toyota Motor Manufacturing currently produces Highlander, Grand Highlander, and Sienna and Lexus TX. The company has more than 7,500 employees at the plant and wages offered ranging from 22.75 US dollars (Rp. 370 thousand) per hour for members of the production team.

Photo: Toyota Factory in Huntsville, Alabama, USA (source: Toyota USA)