Toyota Looks Hard at Michigan for New Plant

Washington DC December 5, 2005; The AIADA newsletter reported that Toyota’s manufacturing executives are looking with much interest at several different sites in Michigan for the automaker’s new engine plant.

The executives already scouted three sites in the state and will visit two more, reports The Detroit News. According to the paper, Toyota is “very attracted by Michigan’s wealth of skilled trade workers -- experts in repairing machinery, industrial electricians, toolmakers and others with specialized skills.”

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm hopes to land Toyota and send a message that the state is attractive for all automakers interested in manufacturing investment. "There are numerous reasons we think Michigan should be in Toyota’s future beyond the presence it already has," commented Liz Boyd, the governor’s spokeswoman. "We are the center for cutting-edge automotive manufacturing, we have a ready-made work force that’s second to none, and we are the center for automotive research and development in North America."

Toyota’s interest in building a plant in Michigan reflects Asian automakers’ high demand for automotive engineering students. Nissan and Hyundai, along with Toyota and international auto suppliers, have rushed to Michigan because it is where R&D centers of the Detroit Three and major U.S. suppliers are located, reports The Wall Street Journal. "They all know Michigan is the place to come for engineering talent," said Granholm.

Hyundai just opened a new auto-engineering center in Superior Township, Toyota has a technical center in Ann Arbor, and Nissan recently expanded its R&D branch in Farmington Hills.