Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM), the joint-venture between Mazda and Toyota, is investing an additional $830 million at the new plant in Huntsville, Alabama.
The money will be used “to incorporate more cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to its production lines and provide enhanced training to its workforce of up to 4,000 employees.” Counting the latest investment, Mazda and Toyota have contributed $2.3 billion so far into their joint plant, up from the $1.6 billion originally announced in 2018.
Production will start next year, with the new facility projected to have an annual capacity of up to 300,000 vehicles: 150,000 units of a future Mazda crossover and 150,000 units of the Toyota SUV. Little is known about the two models other than the fact they will share a number of components and suppliers. Mind you, the crossovers will be unique and developed independently by each brand.
See Also: Toyota Announces New SUV For America, Will Be Built In Alabama
The new Toyota SUV is believed to be the production version of the FT-4X Concept from 2017
Rumor has it the Toyota is a production version of the FT-4X Concept while the Mazda is a midsize model slotting between the CX-5 and CX-9 and possibly reviving the CX-7 nameplate.
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing’s target of up to 4,000 new jobs remains in place, with the company hiring approximately 600 employees to date. MTM plans to resume accepting applications for production positions later in 2020.
The companies said construction of the plant is 75% to 100% complete, with remaining work on roofing, siding, floor slabs, ductwork, fire protection and electrical. Mazda and Toyota have faced challenges as they continued construction work during the coronavirus pandemic, which led to the plant now costing about 50% percent more than first estimated.
“Mazda and Toyota’s increased commitment to the development of this manufacturing plant reiterates their belief in the future of manufacturing in America and the potential for the state of Alabama to be an economic leader in the wake of unprecedented economic change,” said Alabama governor Kay Ivey.
