ATHENS — The ripple effect of the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing Plant in Limestone County is creating several hundred jobs in Athens.

Toyota Boshoku will manufacture seat systems at a $50 million plant in the Breeding North Industrial Park on Sanderfer Road. Construction on the facility, which will take up some 42 acres, is slated to start next month.

“When we began our search for a new site to build our production facility, we looked at many locations,” said Dr. Shuhei Toyoda of Toyota Boshoku. “After an extensive search, we determined that Athens, Alabama, is the perfect fit.

“We are grateful for the assistance from the state of Alabama, the City of Athens and Limestone County to make this project a reality.”

The plant is expected to create about 400 jobs once full production is reached. Toyota Boshoku will supply seat systems for vehicles built at the Mazda Toyota plant some 30 miles away.

The Mazda Toyota Manufacturing US plant is expected to create some 4,000 jobs with another 4,000-plus coming to suppliers, such as Toyota Boshoku and other.

“Athens attracting one of the first Tier 1 suppliers for MTMUS speaks to our city’s attractiveness as a community and our great working relationship with several entities on industrial development,” said Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks. “From the state of Alabama to our Limestone County Economic Development Association and our other partners, we work well together to help industries invest in our community and provide jobs for our citizens.

“Athens appreciates Toyota Boshoku being the latest to invest in our city.”

Marks was joined by Gov. Kay Ivey, Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield, Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon, State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), and Limestone County Commission Chairman Collin Daly.

“We would like to welcome Toyota Boshoku America to Limestone County,” Daly said.

“This over $50 million investment that will bring around 400 new jobs is a testament to the strong workforce in our region that has earned global recognition.”

Canfield said the addition of Toyota Boshoku adds momentum to the state’s efforts in landing quality jobs.

“Alabama’s economic development team has been working hard to facilitate the formation of the supply chain for MTMUS, and Toyota Boshoku’s decision to locate in Athens will add momentum to our efforts,” Canfield said. “We expect to develop a long-lasting partnership with this outstanding company as it creates well-paying jobs in Alabama.”