Massive Triad-area Toyota Battery Factor Begins Operation
Today, Toyota officially began operations at its Liberty Battery Plant south of Greensboro. Toyota announced plans to invest $13.9 billion in North Carolina and hire over 5,000 North Carolinians. Building on this commitment, Toyota said it plans to invest an additional $10 billion into American operations over the next five years. This brings the company’s total investment into U.S. operations to nearly $60 billion since operations began almost 70 years ago.
“Today’s launch of Toyota’s first U.S. battery plant and additional U.S. investment up to $10 billion marks a pivotal moment in our company’s history,” said Ted Ogawa, president and chief executive officer, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA). “Toyota is a pioneer in electrified vehicles, and the company’s significant manufacturing investment in the U.S. and North Carolina further solidifies our commitment to team members, customers, dealers, communities, and suppliers.”
The 1,850-acre mega site can produce 30 GWh annually at full capacity. It will serve as Toyota’s hub for developing and producing lithium-ion batteries needed for its ever-growing portfolio of electrified vehicles. The state-of-the-art plant will house 14 battery production lines supporting hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), making it a historical investment for Toyota and a substantial economic impact on the Tarheel State. These batteries assembled here will power the Camry, Corolla Cross, RAVA, and other Toyota vehicles yet to be announced.
“Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, America is open for business,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. “Toyota’s move to expand production in North Carolina is the latest show of confidence in this administration’s efforts to reshore manufacturing, generate new, great paying jobs, and inject billions of dollars into the economy. We’re just getting started!”
At the ceremony that marked the official start of operations, Toyota highlighted its commitment to the local community. Toyota announced its second phase of Driving Possibilities in Guilford County and the Asheboro City School District with a Toyota USA Foundation grant of $2.7 million.
What They Are Saying:
U.S. Congressman Richard Hudson: “Toyota’s investment is great news for North Carolina and our workers. This new facility will bring high-paying jobs, new opportunities, and long-term growth to our state. It’s another sign that North Carolina continues to lead the way in manufacturing and innovation.”
North Carolina Senate President Phil Berger: “This is a monumental day for North Carolina and Toyota. Even before the first battery rolled off the production line, Toyota has made a real impact in our state. I look forward to seeing North Carolina’s partnership with Toyota continue to grow for generations to come.”
“We’re excited to see this innovative facility come to life and to provide cutting-edge careers for more than 5,000 North Carolinians,” said Don Stewart, president of Toyota North Carolina. “Today’s celebration would not be complete without thanking our team members. Their dedication, commitment, and resolve have truly led us to this historic moment. We also are grateful for the support shown to us by the State of North Carolina, Randolph County, and the greater Triad region, a place we are all proud to call home.”
North Carolina Speaker of the House Destin Hall: “Toyota’s historic $13.9 billion investment in Randolph County is a tremendous win for North Carolina and a testament to our state’s strong workforce, pro-growth policies, and commitment to innovation. I want to thank Toyota for its continued investment in North Carolina and congratulate them on the start of production at Toyota’s first U.S. battery manufacturing facility. We’re proud that Toyota chose to put down roots here, and we look forward to many years of continued partnership and success.”
“Today marks a historic milestone as Toyota begins battery production right here in North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This groundbreaking investment will create more than 5,000 new jobs for North Carolinians and will strengthen our commitment to leading the way in both the automotive supply chain and the clean energy economy.”
“This incredible gift will provide our students and their families with life-changing opportunities,” said Wendy Poteat, president and CEO of shift_ed, a non-profit regional leader connecting education to workforce development, and coordinating partner for the NC Driving Possibilities program. “Toyota has become a generous supporter and dedicated stakeholder in enriching our school districts by inspiring innovation and nurturing curiosity and creativity in our learners from classroom to career. Programs like these are essential in closing opportunity and exposure gaps, empowering students to reach their full potential.”
“We’re excited to see this innovative facility come to life and to provide cutting-edge careers for more than 5,000 North Carolinians,” said Don Stewart, president of Toyota North Carolina. “Today’s celebration would not be complete without thanking our team members. Their dedication, commitment, and resolve have truly led us to this historic moment. We also are grateful for the support shown to us by the State of North Carolina, Randolph County, and the greater Triad region, a place we are all proud to call home.”
