With an investment of more than a quarter-billion dollars, Toyota announced Wednesday it is increasing its production and workforce at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Huntsville.

The automaker said the $288 million will increase the engine production capacity from some 670,000 per year to 900,000 by the end of 2021.

New production lines for Toyota’s four-cylinder and V6 engines will add 450 jobs to the Huntsville plant. The investment also includes a building expansion. Overall, the plant represents an investment of $1.2 billion.

The 450 new jobs is the largest hiring increase at the facility and will increase the number of employees to about 1,800.

“I’m so proud of our team members and their commitment to building world-class engines,” said Toyota Alabama President David Fernandes. “It is because of our workforce and statewide partnerships that Toyota has continued to grow and prosper in Alabama.

“The new engine lines will allow us to respond quicker to customer needs and strengthen our competitive edge in the industry.”

The engine plant, in the North Huntsville Industrial Park just off Pulaski Pike, is the cornerstone of the city’s diversified business base as it moves from being primarily dependent on federal dollars to commercial industry.

“Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama has been the backbone of Huntsville’s advanced manufacturing economy for 18 years,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “This latest investment, the company’s seventh in Huntsville, signals Toyota’s confidence in our workforce and its commitment to continued investment in this facility – more than $1.2 billion to date.”

High points

Seven major investments (5 building expansions) since groundbreaking in 2001. 
The new $288 million investment will provide 4-cylinder and V6 engine lines to expand production capacity by about 35 percent, increase product flexibility and help better meet demand. This brings the total plant investment to $1.2 billion.
The two new production lines will create 450 jobs, increasing total employment to about 1,800.
The plant produces one-third of all engines built in the U.S and five times as many since stating production.
The 6 millionth engine was built in August 2018.
The only Toyota plant globally to build 4-cylinder, V6 and V8 engines under one roof.

The news builds upon Toyota’s expansive presence in the Huntsville area. Last year, Mazda and Toyota unveiled their plans for a joint vehicle manufacturing plant in Limestone County. The $1.6 billion joint investment will create up to 4,000 jobs with production slated for 2021.