Toyota's Canadian manufacturing operation to increase RAV4 volume

CAMBRIDGE, ON, March 28, 2012 - Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC) announced today that it will increase RAV4 production at its Woodstock, Ontario assembly plant from 150,000 annual capacity to 200,000 vehicles in early 2013. Ultimately, this $80 million [CAD] investment will result in about 400 new jobs between now and implementation. This initiative is one of several projects announced in 2011 under the name, Project Green Light.

 

Supported by both the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario, TMMC began a variety of new initiatives in Canada last year designed to help increase productivity and support the production of greener, more fuel efficient vehicles. Prior to today's announcement, the company revealed that the first Toyota electric vehicle to be built in North America, the new RAV4 EV, would be made in Woodstock beginning in 2012. TMMC currently manufactures the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Matrix, Toyota RAV4, and the Lexus RX 350 vehicles and has two plants in Cambridge, ON and one plant in Woodstock, ON.  The company currently employs approximately 6,500.

 

TMMC Chairman Ray Tanguay said, "We are optimistic that the market is coming back and we're grateful for the strong sales of the RAV4 in the North American market, which has created this increase in production and jobs."

 

Brian Krinock, President of TMMC, gave credit to TMMC employees for their strong focus.  He said, "From the moment TMMC opened the Woodstock plant, Team Members have consistently built quality in to each and every RAV4.  Our customers recognize and appreciate their skill."

 

Representatives from both the Federal and Provincial governments praised Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada for helping to keep the Canadian automotive industry strong.

 

"Our Government welcomes the news of increased production at Toyota's Woodstock plant, and congratulates the company on the success of the RAV 4," said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry. "Together, Toyota's Canadian plants represent one of the company's largest, most successful manufacturing operations in the world, leading to jobs and growth in those communities and for Canadians."

 

The Honourable Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Innovation added, "I'm pleased to see that Toyota will be increasing production of the RAV4, resulting in the creation of more jobs in this important sector. This is great news for the auto industry in Ontario and shows the strength and diversity of the sector in the province. This expansion demonstrates that Ontario made the right decision by supporting the development of Toyota's manufacturing presence here in Ontario."

 

For information about Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, visit www.tmmc.ca

For more information about Toyota products, visit www.toyota.ca   

 

For further information:

Greig Mordue, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc.
(519) 241-8355