McGuinty Government Welcomes Toyota Boshoku To Ontario

$65 million Investment In Woodstock Brings 330 New Jobs

TORONTO, July 10 -- Premier Dalton McGuinty, Economic Development and Trade Minister Joseph Cordiano and Dr. Shuhei Toyoda, President of Toyota Boshoku together announced the company's plans to bring a new parts-supply facility to southwestern Ontario.

"This new investment is one more vote of confidence in Ontario and our skilled and talented workforce," Minister Cordiano said. "We worked very hard to bring the new Toyota plant to Woodstock and now we're seeing the wider benefits come into play. By making strategic auto investments, the McGuinty government is supporting Ontarians who rely on a vibrant auto sector for jobs and opportunity."

Dr. Toyoda said, "Toyota Boshoku is very pleased to locate a new manufacturing facility in Canada to supply Toyota's new RAV4 plant. The commitment and support of the Ontario government and Woodstock citizens and governments has been very refreshing and encouraging. We look forward to working with the province's skilled workforce to build a successful partnership as we together build and operate this new facility."

Toyota Boshoku will supply seats, door trim and carpet for the Toyota RAV 4, which will begin production at Toyota's Woodstock site in 2008. Toyota Boshoku anticipates the new Ontario facility will produce 150,000 vehicle units per year and create 330 high value long-term jobs. The new facility in Woodstock will be Toyota Boshoku's first 100 per cent wholly owned investment in Canada.

"Toyota Boshoku is creating more good jobs in Ontario," Premier McGuinty said. "These are the kinds of jobs that bring prosperity to our communities, raise our standard of living and provide greater opportunities for our families."

Minister Cordiano met with Dr. Toyoda during his visit to Japan in 2005. Last month, Premier McGuinty and Minister Cordiano met again with senior officials at the company's headquarters in Japan.

Toyota Boshoku Corporation was formed in October 2004 with the merger of the former Toyoda Boshoku Corporation, the automotive interiors division of Araco Corp. and Takanichi Co. Ltd. Toyota Boshoku's business encompasses the range of automotive interior systems, including seats, door trim, headliners and carpets.