More than $50 million will be invested into the Athens, Ala., area by Toyota Boshoku America, to create a new manufacturing facility that will bring around 400 jobs at full operation.
The international automotive supplier’s latest facility will produce seat systems for vehicles built at another under construction facility — Mazda Toyota Manufacturing U.S.A. Inc. (MTMUS) — 30 miles away. It will be located in Breeding North Industrial Park, with construction slated to start around May 1.
“When we began our search for a new site to build our production facility, we looked at many locations. After an extensive search, we determined that Athens Alabama is the perfect fit. We are grateful for the assistance from the State of Alabama, the City of Athens and Limestone County to make this project a reality,” Shuhei Toyoda of Toyota Boshoku said.
MTMUS expects to assemble its first vehicle in 2021, and produce around 300,000 vehicles annually once it gets moving. The new Athens facility will play a key role in its supply line, which state and local partners have hailed.
“Athens attracting one of the first Tier 1 suppliers for MTMUS speaks to our city’s attractiveness as a community and our great working relationship with several entities on industrial development,” Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks said. “From the State of Alabama to our Limestone County Economic Development Association and our other partners, we work well together to help industries invest in our community and provide jobs for our citizens. Athens appreciates Toyota Boshoku being the latest to invest in our city.”