Mexican Media Brands
Toyota-Mazda JV Breaks Ground for Alabama Plant
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA Inc. has broken ground at the joint venture’s manufacturing site in Huntsville, Ala., and plans to begin construction next month.
Share
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA Inc. has broken ground at the joint venture’s manufacturing site in Huntsville, Ala., and plans to begin construction next month.
Mazda Motor Corp. and Toyota Motor Co. are investing a combined $1.6 billion into the 50:50 venture, which was formed in March. The partners aim to launch production at the 3.3 million-sq-ft facility in 2021.
The plant is expected to employ as many as 4,000 people and produce about 300,000 vehicles per year. Output will be divided evenly between the redesigned Toyota Corolla and a new Mazda crossover model. Toyota says the plant will be designed to enable flexible manufacturing so both carmakers can respond quickly to market changes.
The partners are working with environmental groups to develop a conservation strategy for the spring pygmy sunfish, an endangered species that resides near the planned site. Last month the Center for Biological Diversity filed a suit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, alleging initial plans for the factory failed to protect the fish’s habitat.