Toyota Industries to Build Automotive Supplier Plant In GA USA

ATLANTA, July 16 -- Governor Roy E. Barnes has announced that Toyota Industries North America will acquire a 152-acre tract in Jackson County in a joint venture with Denso Corporation to manufacture compressors for automotive air-conditioners in 2005. Plans for the property include an 185,000-square-foot plant that will create 120 new jobs with an initial $60 million investment.

"When this plant opens in a couple of years, it will be well worth the wait," said Barnes. "It promises to generate significant investment in this area, support high-skilled jobs, and usher in new economic development through improved infrastructure."

"Over the past five years, Georgia has attracted five Honda part suppliers to Georgia, bringing more than 2,100 jobs with a total investment of more than $188 million," said Barnes. "Last year Georgia created 135,000 new jobs. We will continue to create new jobs that fuel our economy."

Georgia's recent automotive boom is attributed to many factors, including its unique geographic location and the state's natural and man-made resources. Georgia's borders touch five states, making it a central hub for transportation within the region. Georgia's extensive network of highways makes intrastate transportation seamless; and 83 percent of all U.S. car assembly plants are within 13 highway hours of Georgia.

"Georgia already ranks as the second-best state in the nation for automotive jobs and companies, and our central location near major car manufacturers in the Southeast attracts more investment each year," added Barnes. "This plant will bring an initial $60 to $100 million investment to Jackson County, and the wide customer base for compressors holds potential for rapid growth."

The Georgia Department of Industry, Trade & Tourism is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, promoting the state as a location for film and video projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.