Jackson Free Press

[verbatim from Gov. Haley Barbour] (JACKSON, Mississippi) – Governor Haley Barbour said today Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd. (TAB) will build a $180 million plant in North Mississippi, becoming the first announced supplier to Toyota's new auto assembly plant in Blue Springs. TAB officials made the decision public in Japan overnight.

While a specific site for TAB's facility has not yet been chosen, a number of locations are under consideration; an announcement will be made later this year. It will be the company's first plant in the United States.

The facility, to be named Auto Parts Manufacturing Mississippi Inc., will employ about 260 workers and will begin production by 2010 to coincide with the start-up of Toyota's new Highlander SUV plant.

"During our recent economic development mission to Japan the Mississippi delegation visited with Toyota Auto Body officials and came away impressed with the company's high standards and interest in doing business in Mississippi. I am very pleased this outstanding company will
find a new home in North Mississippi as a major supplier to Toyota's newest auto assembly plant," Governor Haley Barbour said.

Auto Parts Manufacturing Mississippi Inc., will provide stamped parts, body weld parts and plastic parts to the Blue Springs plant. The company plans to incorporate in Mississippi next month.

TAB, based in Kariya-city, Japan, is 56.03 percent owned by Toyota Motor Corporation and is part of the Toyota Group of Companies. TAB manufactures auto and special vehicle bodies and parts and has nearly 13,500 employees globally. TAB assembles various vehicles for Toyota, including the Prius, Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470.

Outline of Auto Parts Manufacturing Mississippi Inc.

Location North Mississippi
Plant overview Automotive stamped, body weld and plastic parts
Site area Approximately 50 acres
Investment Approximately $180 million
Start of production By 2010
Employment 260
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Previous Comments

ID

93535

Comment

I hope that the State of MS will l negotiate a better contract than the one we have with Nissan.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-07-26T09:25:56-06:00

ID

93536

Comment

I hope that the State of MS will l negotiate a better contract than the one we have with Nissan. Would be nice. While the supplier hasn't yet named a site to build, I would love it if they would build the plant in the Delta. That area badly needs all the good jobs they can get. However, I think they would probably want to be somewhere closer to Toyota.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-07-30T20:57:05-06:00