Located in Tupelo, Mississippi is Toyota North America’s latest assembly plant. Overseen by Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi (TMMMS), the facility is responsible for producing the compact Corolla, otherwise known as the world’s best selling car. With the ability to put out 150,000 cars annually, the Tupelo plant will employee close to 2,000 workers and has been in the works since ground broke back in April of 2007. A $800 million investment was made to create Toyota’s fourteenth North American assembly plant.
“Mississippi has provided us with a great workforce who welcomes challenges and are 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.” The Corolla will be built from U.S. sourced parts. Cylinder heads and blocks are being built at Toyota’s Jackson, Tennessee plant where they are shipped to Buffalo, West Virginia for final engine assembly. Tupelo will then take the mills for the final piece to the Corolla puzzle.
“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.”
Source: Toyota
