TMMI celebrates Ten Years with key announcements

May 19, 2006 - Princeton, Ind. - Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana. (TMMI) made a key announcement and large donations at a press conference today at the Indiana manufacturing plant.

TMMI Chairman Seizo Okamoto announced plans to build a Visitors Center to commemorate 10 years in Indiana. Planned opening of The Visitors Center is in 2008, around the 10th anniversary of the launch of the Tundra pickup truck. A design rendering was unveiled by Okamoto after the announcement.

"We know many in the community would like to visit TMMI to learn more about what we do," said Okamoto.

In addition to the Visitors Center announcement, Okamoto announced a surprise donation of $20,000 to each Gibson County high school bands, (Princeton Community, Wood Memorial and Gibson Southern).

The press conference was one of several activities planned celebrating TMMI's 10 years. An open house for team members and their guests is planned for Saturday, May 20.

"I am proud of what we have accomplished here," said Okamoto.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) began production in Princeton, Ind., in 1998. Today, TMMI employs about 4,700 team members from the Tri-State. Within the 4-million-square-foot automotive facility, team members produce the Tundra pickup truck, Sequoia sport utility vehicle and the Sienna minivan.

TMMI has donated more than $9 million since1996 to the local community in areas of youth and education, health and human services, diversity, environment, civic and community and arts and culture.

By 2008, Toyota will have the annual capacity to build 1.81 million cars and trucks, 1.44 million engines and 600,000 automatic transmissions in North America. The company's direct employment is 38,000, with direct investment of nearly $16.3 billion. In addition, Toyota's annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from North American suppliers totals more than $26 billion. Toyota's North American-produced vehicles include the Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Matrix, Sienna, Solara, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra, and the Lexus RX350.