10 Things to Know: Toyota’s New Battery Manufacturing Plant in North Carolina
Update (October 31, 2023)
Toyota Supercharges North Carolina Battery Plant with New $8 Billion Investment
Additional funding will add approximately 3,000 new jobs
LIBERTY, N.C. (October 31, 2023) – Toyota today announced a new investment of nearly $8 billion that will add approximately 3,000 jobs at Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBMNC). This brings total investment to approximately $13.9 billion and job creation to more than 5,000 – further supporting Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to global vehicle electrification.
This investment adds capacity to support battery electric vehicles (BEV’s) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV’s). An additional eight BEV/PHEV battery production lines will be added to the two previously announced, for a total of ten battery lines. Production will be increased in a phased approach, with line launches planned through 2030 to reach a total production of more than 30GWh annually.
“Today’s announcement reinforces Toyota’s commitment to electrification and carbon reduction, bringing jobs and future economic growth to the region,” said Sean Suggs, president of Toyota North Carolina. “We are excited to see the continued energy and support of this innovative manufacturing facility.”
In 2021, Toyota, in partnership with Toyota Tsusho, announced the new Liberty location with an initial investment of $1.29 billion for battery production and the creation of 1,750 new jobs. With today’s announcement, Toyota North Carolina solidifies its position as the company’s epicenter of lithium-ion battery production in North America. Overall, the campus will boast seven million square feet, equating to 121 football fields of battery production.
“Through the last few years of building relationships, including my most recent trip to Tokyo and meeting with President Sato, our partnership with Toyota has become stronger than ever, culminating in this historic announcement,” said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. “North Carolina’s transition to a clean energy economy is bringing better paying jobs that will support our families and communities for decades to come.”
A pioneer in electrified vehicles, Toyota has put more than 24.6 million hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell and battery electric vehicles on the road globally. By 2025, the company plans to have an electrified option available for every Toyota and Lexus model globally.
The company is steadfast in its promise of being best-in-town by supporting local nonprofits and education initiatives. This year, Toyota announced donations totaling $200,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Asheboro and Greensboro, Junior Achievement of the Triad, Shift_ed and Volunteer Center of the Triad. Last year, the company announced a $1 million investment in North Carolina students enrolled with Communities in Schools Randolph County and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Additional Quotes from North Carolina Officials
“Toyota’s latest expansion in North Carolina is monumental,” said Senator Phil Berger. “The additional jobs and increased capital investment are proof that the Triad and our rural communities are prepared to support high-tech manufacturing. I’m thankful for Toyota’s dedication to our state and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow and employ hard-working North Carolinians.”
House Speaker Tim Moore said, “Today’s announcement that Toyota will make an additional investment of nearly $8 billion at its newest North American facility right here in North Carolina is a tribute to the hard work the General Assembly has done to ensure North Carolina is the best state for business and innovation.” He continued, “Toyota’s success is a prime example of how a balanced budget, a strong workforce, and a AAA credit rating pave the way for business growth. Toyota’s additional investment in North Carolina is a sign that we are on the right track.”
Update (May 31, 2023)
North Carolina Brings the Power
Toyota is investing $2.1 billion in its North Carolina battery manufacturing plant for new infrastructure to support future expansion. This brings total investment in Toyota North Carolina to $5.9 billion.
“Toyota's significant investment in our state, now nearly $6 billion, is terrific news and more evidence that North Carolina is a leader in the clean energy economy,” said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. “Toyota believes in our world-class workforce to power its future success and I appreciate this enormous commitment here.”
The facility will be Toyota’s hub for developing and producing lithium-ion batteries needed for its expanding portfolio of electrified vehicles. Production at the Liberty plant is slated to begin in 2025 with six battery production lines, four for hybrid electric vehicles and two for BEVs.
“The future is bright at Toyota North Carolina,” said Sean Suggs, president, Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina. “With this proactive infrastructure investment, we will be able to quickly support future expansion opportunities to meet growing customer need.”
Additional Quotes from North Carolina Officials
“Toyota’s continued commitment in North Carolina confirms our status as a manufacturing powerhouse,” said North Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger. “This expansion further cements our thriving partnership, and it wouldn’t be possible without the reforms the General Assembly implemented to transform North Carolina into a jobs-friendly state.”
“Toyota and the State of North Carolina have formed a strong partnership that will transform the future for North Carolina,” said Tim Moore, Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives. “Our state has proven to be – again and again – one of the best locations for companies of all sizes to do business, and Toyota’s continued investment in our state is indicative of that recognition.”
Originally published May 31st, 2023
Source: Toyota News Room
It’s a new year, and that’s getting us excited about what’s to come with Toyota’s new battery manufacturing plant. Check out these 10 facts about Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina (TBMNC), which is set to advance Toyota’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions through hybrid and battery electric vehicles.
- Currently under construction in Liberty, North Carolina, TBMNC is scheduled to begin production in 2025.
- It will be Toyota’s first-ever battery plant in North America.
- The plant will manufacture batteries for both hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric vehicle (BEVs).
- Toyota will invest $3.8 billion in the plant, which raises its total global investment in electrification efforts to $5.6 billion.
- The plant will create about 2,100 new jobs. The company plans to start hiring production maintenance positions in mid-2023.
- Toyota is committed to using 100% renewable energy to produce batteries at the plant.
- This plant will serve a central role in Toyota’s leadership toward a fully electrified future and will help us meet our goal of carbon neutrality in our vehicles and global operations by 2035.
- Toyota plans to roll out 30 BEV models by 2030 — five years after the North Carolina plant is scheduled to start operations.
- Formerly president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi, Sean Suggs was named president of TBMNC and will be responsible for all manufacturing and administration functions.
- TBMNC made its first community investment to enhance workforce readiness in North Carolina with donations totaling $1 million.
Originally published February 17, 2023
Source: Toyota News Room