Toyota first began the construction of its $1.3 billion Mississippi manufacturing facility in April 2007, initially planning to produce 150,000 Highlander SUVs per year. Then, as construction began gas prices began to climb and the economy began to tumble, causing Toyota to then suggest in July 2008 that it would build its popular Prius hybrid there.
By the end of 2008 Toyota was forced to put the plant on indefinite hold as the economic downturn worsened. Now, after leaving what was essentially the empty shell of the facility for nearly two years, Toyota has announced that it will resume construction of the facility with the intent on producing its popular Corolla model at the plant.
“Toyota appreciates the patience of Gov. Barbour and all Mississippians, but we first needed to fully utilize our existing facilities as the economy slowed. Now it’s time to fulfill Toyota’s promise in Mississippi,” said Yoshimi Inaba, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor North America.
Toyota says that the building is nearly complete, and now they must install the manufacturing equipment in order to begin production. Toyota plans to hire approximately 2,000 team members to staff the facility once construction is complete.
Toyota anticipates the commencement and production from its Mississippi facility beginning in the fall of 2011 with the Toyota Corolla.
