Toyota invests RM1.6 billion in its Texas truck factory

Toyota hasn’t had the smoothest of relationships with the Trump government, but this might help things moving forward. The Japanese carmaker has announced that it will be investing US$391 million (RM1.6 billion) at its San Antonio truck assembly plant in Texas. Once complete, the plant’s total investment will exceed US$3 billion (RM12.6 billion).

This week’s announcement comes as part of a broader commitment from Toyota to invest US$13 billion (RM54.6 billion) in its US operations over five years through 2021. This new investment also comes with a commitment by Toyota Texas to continue funding local workforce development, a community need the company has long championed.

As part of Toyota’s commitment to help San Antonio’s workforce and education, Alamo Promise will receive a $500,000 donation from Toyota Texas over a five-year period. Alamo Promise’s mission is to end poverty, enhance economic and social mobility and meet workforce demands throughout the city.

Separately, Aisin, a supplier to Toyota Texas and other automakers, announced that it will invest US$400 million (RM1.7 billion) and bring 900 new jobs to a future facility in nearby Cibolo.

“We’ve been in the US for more than 60 years, creating a tremendous value chain in this country and creating an extensive footprint in the Alamo City since 2003. With 10 US plants, 1,500-strong dealer network, an extensive supply chain and other operations, we directly and indirectly employ over 475,000 Americans and are committed to investing here,” said Chris Reynolds, Toyota Motor North America chief administrative officer of manufacturing and corporate resources.

Toyota says that this new investment is in response to strong customer demand and will make the plant even more competitive in the long-term and more efficient, while remaining flexible with multi-vehicle production capabilities by introducing various advanced manufacturing technologies.

This is Toyota’s third investment at its San Antonio truck plant, which assembles the full-size Tundra and mid-size Tacoma pick-up trucks, and directly employs more than 3,200 people. Including its 23 on-site suppliers, total employment at the plant’s site tops 7,200.

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