Toyota is celebrating a milestone in Texas. Last week the automaker marked its 20th anniversary of assembling truck and SUVs in the Lone Star State at Toyota Texas, in San Antonio. The plant is the only one in the world that produces the Tundra and Sequoia, both on the same production line.
“When we broke ground 20 years ago, we promised to be a best-in-town company, and I think we have lived up to that promise,” said Kevin Voelkel, group vice president of North American truck manufacturing and president of Toyota Texas. “We have grown our team from 1,200 to more than 3,800 today and have continued to invest in this facility. But our commitment to this community goes beyond creating quality jobs; we deeply care about the people who are our neighbors and making this a better place to call home.”
Photo Credit: Toyota.
To celebrate the occasion, Toyota Texas handed out awards totaling $100,000:
- The Institute for School & Community Partnerships at Texas A&M University San Antonio supports students through innovative practices, research and equitable policy to help them reach their full potential. Today’s donation will increase STEM education in local ISDs. Funded programs include makerspace areas and STEM labs designed to educate and encourage students and expose them to local San Antonio opportunities.
- The 100 Club of San Antonio supports law enforcement and firefighting in Bexar County, Texas. Grant funds will be used for training and equipment, survivor support and the First Responder Fund.
Toyota says since breaking ground on the plant in 2003, and starting production in 2006, its assembled upwards of 3 million trucks and SUVs at the facility, plus donated more than $50 million to local nonprofits in the area.
“Congratulations Toyota for 20 years of success and innovation in Texas,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “For two decades, Toyota has sported the globally recognized ‘Made in Texas’ brand through its production facility in San Antonio, rolling top-quality trucks and SUVs off the line. In addition to bringing thousands of good-paying jobs and bolstering Texas’ economy, Toyota’s investments in Bexar County—from law enforcement to higher education—have fostered unmatched community partnerships that create the best opportunities for Texans to thrive. I look forward to our continued partnership between Texas and Toyota as we build a brighter economic future for everyone who calls Texas home.”
“Toyota Texas has exceeded the expectations and promises they set 20 years ago, proving their leadership and commitment to our community time and time again. As the home of the Tundra and Sequoia, San Antonio is looking forward to the next 20 years of one of the best corporate partnerships in the country,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg.
“On behalf of Bexar County, I want to congratulate Toyota Texas for its two decades of tremendous growth as it more than tripled its workforce while producing millions of top-of-the-line trucks and SUVs,” said Judge Peter Sakai. “Toyota Texas has become an unparalleled community partner and invaluable asset as we work together to improve the quality of life of all children and families of our community.”
Toyota says the plant represents a $4.2 billion investment in the Lone Star State. If you'd like to tour the plant and see how the Tundra and Sequoia are built, you can book a free plant tour at tourtoyota.com.
Photo Credit: Toyota.