BUFFALO, W.Va. — Toyota West Virginia will invest $88 Million into its Putnam County manufacturing facility to produce the next generation of hybrid transaxles. The announcement did not include any new jobs, but David Rosier, President of Toyota West Virginia said it would solidify the jobs of close to 2,000 workers at the plant.
“This is a replacement product, so at this point it’s not producing additional jobs. But as we see continued growth in the hybrid market there is the potential for job
growth in the future,” Rosier told MetroNews.
Toyota has now invested $2.8 billion into the facility located in Buffalo, W.Va.
Production of the new transaxles will begin in 2026. Work to prepare the existing plant for the new line will get underway in the coming days. The drivetrain component will help power future North American-assembled Toyota and Lexus models. The hybrid transaxle transfers power seamlessly between the engine, electric motor and wheels. Hybrid electric vehicles are a key component of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to electrification and the new line will support the growing market.
“We consider this the sixth generation of hybrid transaxle. We currently make the fourth and fifth generation models. The sixth generation fundamentally becomes the replacement for the fourth generation,” explained Rosier.
The investment includes the purchase and installation of new equipment at the plant. Rosier said the new line can be located within the existing facility.
Along with the $88 Million dollar plant investment, Toyota also made a $100,000 donation to the Marshall University Advanced Manufacturing Center. According to the company, the goal of this initiative is to broaden recruiting efforts for the school’s skills programs and introduce more people to careers in advanced manufacturing.
“We do a lot of things to focus on workforce development and attracting good talent, but we also recognized we can’t do it all on our own. Having key strategic partners in the area and community is key to helping us fulfill that,” said Rosier.
“This generous contribution from Toyota West Virginia will have a lasting impact on our efforts to create a more dynamic and innovative workforce in advanced manufacturing,” said Marshall President Brad D. Smith. “Through this program, we are opening doors for so many to gain critical skills, explore rewarding careers and help shape the future of this industry.”
“I applaud this major investment into our state,” West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said. “As the home of Toyota’s only North American plant for this complex machinery, West Virginia will continue to prioritize economic development and skilled jobs for our workforce. Thank you to Toyota for their commitment to growing their presence here in the Mountain State.”