Toyota Consultant Says Ole Miss Center Important Part of Carmaker's Plans

OXFORD, Miss. May 4, 2007; The AP reported that The University of Mississippi's Center for Manufacturing Excellence will provide Toyota and its suppliers with engineers, accountants, business managers and other professionals, a consultant for the automaker says.

Dennis Cuneo, a former Toyota senior vice president now working for Arent Fox LLP of Washington, met Thursday with Ole Miss administrators and faculty.

"When Toyota selected north Mississippi as the site for its latest plant, it was largely because of the area's quality work force potential," Cuneo said.

He said the creation of the center at Ole Miss is a substantial piece of Toyota's multimillion-dollar incentive package.

Cuneo said the center is the first of its kind for Toyota and the automaker will rely on ideas from university officials about curriculum, faculty and facility needs.

"Toyota is fully committed to a true partnership that is mutually beneficial to the company, the university and northern Mississippi," he said.

Cuneo said a Japanese Saturday school also is being planned. Its purpose is to keep the native language and culture for the children of Toyota executives whose families move from Japan to Mississippi.

The plant, being constructed in the Blue Springs area of Union County, is expected to open in 2009. The plant will produce Toyota's Highlander sport utility vehicle.