TOYOTA TO MOVE FORWARD IN BLUE SPRINGS

Officials with Toyota Motor Corporation announced today that the company was moving forward with its plans to begin operations at its Blue Springs, Miss., facility.  The company has announced that the Toyota Corolla, the best-selling car of all time, will be produced at the Blue Springs plant.  Production is expected to begin in the fall of 2011.  

When fully operational, the north Mississippi facility will employ approximately 2,000 individuals.

"Toyota is moving forward to equip and begin production at its Mississippi plant. We're delighted, but we're not surprised," Governor Barbour said. "We've had good reason to keep our faith in them. Through a global economic crisis, Toyota kept its financial commitments to the state and local schools, proving it is not just an employer but a valuable community partner. We eagerly look forward to the opening of the Blue Springs plant and are proud that the Toyota Corolla, one of the best-selling vehicles of all time, will be manufactured here in Mississippi."

Toyota first announced its plans to build its 10th U.S. production facility at the 1,700-acre site in Blue Springs, near Tupelo, in February 2007.  The State of Mississippi committed approximately $294 million to the project to assist with site preparation, infrastructure and training.  Toyota broke ground on the facility in April 2007 and completed building construction in the spring of 2009.  In December 2008, company officials announced a delay in their plans to begin production at the facility but stated their clear intent to move forward with the plant when market conditions improved. 

"We sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding shown by Governor Barbour and the people of Mississippi," said Yoshimi Inaba, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor North America.  "With the economic downturn, we had a commitment to our team members and communities worldwide to make sure all of our existing plants were stable.  With the return of stability to our existing operations in North America, it is time to fulfill Toyota's promise in Mississippi."

"Today's announcement is a validation of our strong partnership with Toyota, and we look forward to the 2,000 jobs the Blues Springs plant will create," said Gray Swoope, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority.