Toyota has announced a $912 million investment across five of its U.S. manufacturing plants, resulting in the creation of 252 new jobs as part of a broader strategy to expand hybrid vehicle production. The company’s initiative is part of its larger commitment to invest up to $10 billion in the United States over the next five years.
The investments will impact Toyota facilities in West Virginia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Missouri. The largest allocation goes to the Buffalo, West Virginia plant, which will receive $453 million and add 80 jobs. This site will increase assembly capacity for hybrid-compatible engines and components. Production from this expansion is expected to begin in 2027.
In Georgetown, Kentucky, Toyota’s largest global facility will see an investment of $204.4 million and 82 additional jobs. An all-new machining line for hybrid-compatible engines is scheduled to start production in 2027.
The Blue Springs plant in Mississippi will receive $125 million to begin assembling hybrid-electric Corollas—the first time these electrified vehicles are produced at this location.
Jackson, Tennessee’s casting plant will get $71.4 million and add 33 jobs by increasing production of hybrid vehicle components through three new lines starting between 2027 and 2028.
Finally, the Troy facility in Missouri will benefit from a $57.1 million investment and 57 new jobs with a new cylinder head production line for hybrid vehicles expected online in 2027.
Kevin Voelkel, senior vice president of manufacturing operations at Toyota, said: “Customers are embracing Toyota’s hybrid vehicles, and our U.S. manufacturing teams are gearing up to meet that growing demand. Toyota’s philosophy is to build where we sell, and by adding more American jobs and investing across our U.S. footprint, we continue to stay true to that philosophy.”
Alivia Luikart, a team member at Toyota West Virginia added: “We’re proud of our plant’s continued growth and honored to help lead Toyota’s transition into a mobility company. Our future is bright, and it’s rewarding to know that our company has faith in our ability and trusts our team to drive Toyota forward.”
State leaders have welcomed the news as evidence of both local workforce strength and favorable business climates:
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey stated: “Toyota’s continued investment in West Virginia demonstrates that our workforce, business climate, and communities deliver real results for companies. This investment… reflects a strong confidence in our people and in the strength of our economy.”
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said: “I want to thank Toyota for once again investing in our people and the company’s largest global manufacturing facility in Georgetown… I am proud to see that relationship grow even stronger.”
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves described the move as “another tremendous win for our state,” highlighting the state’s reputation for manufacturing quality products.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee commented: “Toyota’s continued investment… is a testament to Tennessee’s unmatched business climate and highly skilled workforce.”
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe noted: “This commitment is further proof of Missouri’s status as an ideal location for leading automotive manufacturers.”
Federal lawmakers also weighed in on what they say are benefits for local economies:
U.S. Congresswoman Carol Miller (West Virginia): “Toyota continues to invest in their workforce and enrich our communities. I couldn’t be happier to have them here in West Virginia!”
U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (Kentucky): “Toyota’s expansion across the country will create hundreds of good-paying jobs… I thank Toyota for their continued commitment…”
U.S. Senator Rand Paul (Kentucky): “I’ve always supported more investment coming to the Bluegrass State… I’m so proud that Kentucky is home to Toyota’s largest manufacturing plant…”
U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (Mississippi) remarked on increased opportunities resulting from recognized success at Blue Springs.
U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (Mississippi) called Toyota an outstanding community partner with an expanding presence.
U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (Tennessee) praised job growth tied directly to expanded operations at Jackson.
U.S. Congressman David Kustoff (Tennessee) highlighted how such investments reinforce Toyota’s role as a major employer locally.
U.S. Congressman Sam Graves (Missouri) said he was pleased with job creation associated with Troy’s expansion.
Currently about half of all Toyotas sold domestically are assembled within the United States; North American facilities account for roughly three-quarters of U.S.-sold vehicles’ assembly overall.
The automaker says nearly half its U.S sales now come from electrified models including hybrids—a figure attributed partly to its ongoing multi-pathway approach toward powertrains.
In addition to manufacturing investments, Toyota has launched educational initiatives such as Driving Possibilities—a $110 million program through the Toyota USA Foundation aimed at supporting PreK-12 STEM education nationwide.
