BUFFALO, W.Va. — Toyota is adding jobs to its plant in Putnam County.
The automaker announcing a $912 million investment in its U.S. plants including $453 million at Toyota West Virginia in Buffalo where 80 new jobs will be created.
According to Toyota, the investment will “increase assembly of 4-cylinder hybrid-compatible engines, sixth generation hybrid transaxles and rear motor stators. The expansion, which will begin production in 2027, also includes new shift patterns for greater efficiency.”
“The plant in West Virginia is still the only Toyota facility in North America to produce hybrid transaxles and once this change is complete, 100 percent of the product we produce here will be hybrid compatible,” said Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia President David Rosier.
The company said it’s responding to growth in the desire for hybrid vehicles.
“Customers are embracing Toyota’s hybrid vehicles, and our U.S. manufacturing teams are gearing up to meet that growing demand,” said Kevin Voelkel, senior vice president, manufacturing operations. “Toyota’s philosophy is to build where we sell, and by adding more American jobs and investing across our U.S. footprint, we continue to stay true to that philosophy.”
Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the continued investment speaks good about West Virginia.
This investment, which creates 80 new jobs for hard working West Virginians, reflects a strong confidence in our people and in the strength of our economy,” Morrisey said. “We are proud to see Toyota continue to grow in the Mountain State as they build world-class technology and drive the future of American manufacturing. I want to thank Toyota for believing in our workers, our communities, and our shared future.”
First District Congresswoman Carol Miller said the investment is a testament to to high-quality work done at the plant.
“I am thrilled they are expanding their operations in my district to increase hybrid engine production beyond the 1 million engines currently being produced annually. This incredible investment will bring 80 new, high-quality jobs to the community,” Miller said. “This announcement comes on the heels of Toyota’s previous commitment to develop a new on-site childcare center for their employees at the facility. Toyota continues to invest in their workforce and enrich our communities. I couldn’t be happier to have them here in West Virginia!”
Toyota has been in Buffalo for 30 years and has expanded multiple times through the years. Rosier said the investment not only solidifies the company’s hybrid program, but also represents an investment in the plantt’s future.
“It really updates our process and gives us a chance to invest in machine refurbishment so we can extend the life of our equipment, but we are also able to bring in some new equipment and invest in the latest technology in advanced manufacturing,” he added.
Most importantly, Rosier said it was an investment in their 2,000 plus West Virginia employees.
“It’s an investment in our people. We’re expanding our workforce by 80 members, but more importantly it reflects our value of providing long-term job security for our folks,” he said.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito was thrilled and believed it provided long term job security for West Virginians.
“That expansion I think will lead to a longer life for the plant, more people employed, more community and economic development. It’s an enormous and welcome event in West Virginia,” said Capito.
Toyota is also investing in plants located in Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee and Missouri. The investment in West Virginia is the most dollar-wise.
Toyota recently committed to investing up to $10 billion in the U.S. over the next five years. The total investment announced Tuesday is $912 million equaling 252 jobs.