OREANDA-NEWS. March 01, 2012. Toyota announced today it will increase annual production capacity of 6-speed automatic transmission from approximately 400,000 to 520,000 at its plant in Buffalo, W.Va. The increase begins November 2012 and will be completed by July 2013. Approximately USD 45 million in investment will create about 80 new jobs in West Virginia.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia, Inc. (TMMWV) currently builds 6-speed transmissions for the Avalon, Camry, Lexus RX350, Sienna and Venza, all built in North America.

The expansion raises total employment to approximately 1,200 and total plant investment to USD 1.3 billion.

Bodine Aluminum will also add capacity to support TMMWV.

Bodine Aluminum will provide transmission cases and housing parts to the West Virginia plant. The expansion represents approximately 25 new jobs and more than USD 10 million investment for the Troy, Mo. plant.

Comments from elected officials

West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin: “I am so pleased that for the second time in approximately a year, Toyota will expand the Buffalo plant due to the success of their diligent, hard-working, and devoted employees. Toyota’s commitment to excellence coupled with the strong West Virginia work ethic is a match made for positive economic growth benefitting both the company and the community. I am truly grateful for all the individuals—from the assembly line employees, to management and to Senator Rockefeller—who have made this partnership happen and for showcasing what is achievable in our great state.”
 
Senator Jay Rockefeller: “This is great news for Toyota’s workers and the company’s plant in Buffalo. Toyota has been such an asset to West Virginia and our people, bringing good jobs to our state and currently employing more than 1,100 workers. I’m proud to have played a role in bringing Toyota to West Virginia more than 15 years go. Toyota’s continued expansion in Buffalo is a testament to the exceptionally strong and devoted workforce that we have. Our workers are the reason that companies like Toyota choose to come to West Virginia.”
Senator Joe Manchin: “Toyota is one of West Virginia’s best partners, and I am thrilled that the company is planning another investment and expansion that will create 80 new jobs at our very own Buffalo plant. This announcement speaks to the strength of the Toyota brand, and is a testament to West Virginia’s tremendous workforce. Over the past 15 years, Toyota has learned that West Virginia is home to some of the hardest working men and women in America – you have put your faith in us, and in turn, we have embraced you, too.
 
“I could not be more proud. I would like to thank President of Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America Mr. Terashi, Toyota’s West Virginia President Mr. Suzuki, and the Buffalo General Manager of Operations Mike Lutz for all you have done to strengthen and grow the partnership between Toyota and our great state. Your continued investment and confidence in West Virginia means more to us than I can say.”

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito:  "I am thrilled to learn that Toyota will create 80 good-paying jobs in West Virginia. Toyota has been an important partner to the West Virginia community for over a decade, providing over 1,000 jobs and support to local families. Our economy is still struggling to recover, and the fact that Toyota continues to expand in the Mountain State is a testament to the strength of the West Virginia work force.”