Toyota Texas's New Facility Creates 400 New Jobs
McKinsey’s recent research predicts US annual hiring to be 20 times more than the annual increase in net new jobs this year.
It also predicts manufacturers will experience a rate of churn costing them US$5.3bn each year, in training costs and talent acquisition alone.
The existing US and global manufacturing hiring crisis is worsening, news which sets the backdrop for Toyota’s recent expansion announcement.
Toyota Texas is expanding its footprint with a US$531m investment, bringing more than 400 new, high-quality jobs to San Antonio.
The new on-site 500,000 sq ft facility will be dedicated to drivetrain parts production, in a move that affirms Toyota’s commitment to reinvesting profits in its US operations.
Toyota Texas has been central to the company’s truck and SUV output for nearly 20 years, with more than 181,000 vehicles assembled last year.
The company’s total investment in the plant is over US$4.7bn.
“Our team members are ready for this new opportunity to grow our plant’s capabilities and workforce,” says Susann Kazunas, President of Toyota Texas.
“They are highly capable, innovative and have a steadfast commitment to our products,” Susann continues.
“We are proud to celebrate that spirit and the long-term job stability the investment represents, and we are excited to welcome 400 new team members to Toyota Texas.”
Transforming trade talent boosts productivity
In its research, McKinsey highlights the use of regional solutions to fill talent pools and demonstrates the need for manufacturers to be proactive with skilled trade talent, taking action to reduce churn and boost productivity.
This requires the transformation of talent and operating models, managing economic headwinds such as inflation and investing in continuous training and improvement across the enterprise.
Toyota Texas’ announcement seems so far to be taking this advice, as Bexar County Judge, Peter Sakai, explains the impact it could have on the region.
“It is exciting to see Toyota expand its footprint in Southern Bexar County. I look forward to the hundreds of new jobs and boost to our local economy, especially for the area school districts,” Peter says.
“Toyota has been a loyal and dedicated community partner for two decades, and this initiative shows the confidence one of the world’s leading companies has in Bexar County’s future.”
Growth for Texas and Toyota
Toyota Texas is the exclusive home to the Tundra truck and all-hybrid Sequoia SUV, both assembled on the same production line.
The investment reinforces the plant’s flexibility with advanced manufacturing technologies as the company expands its diverse capabilities across its North American operations.
“Job stability, growth and competitive pay are all reasons I found a passion for assembling trucks at Toyota,” says Christopher Rivera, Team Leader at Toyota Texas.
“During my 17-year career with Toyota, I have seen first-hand Toyota’s commitment to our team. It is exciting to help bring new capabilities to our plant.”
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