The Alabama Automotive Manufacturing Association recently named Toyota Alabama as a 2020 Supplier of the Year. The award recognizes manufacturing suppliers for outstanding achievements in areas such as innovation, quality, safety and commitment to the community.

“Toyota’s incredible response throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has gone above and beyond to address the situation, develop plans and quickly adapt to changes,” said Ron Davis, president of AAMA. “They engaged with their peers from across the globe to develop creative solutions to ensure a safe work environment for employees. Toyota then shared this knowledge across the state to help schools and businesses also prepare for return.”

Additionally, to support local healthcare facilities and first responders with personal protective equipment, the Huntsville plant produced and distributed 10,000 commercial grade face shields.

“Our ability to produce face shields in mass quantities is a testament to our incredibly skilled workforce and passion for sharing knowledge to meet community needs,” said Larry Deutscher, Toyota Alabama general manager of Manufacturing Support.

The Huntsville plant produces approximately 700,000 (4-cylinder, V6 and V8) engines per year to Toyota vehicle assembly plants across North America; it is the only Toyota plant to make all three engines. In 2021, production will increase to more than 900,000 engines per year upon completion of the plant’s latest expansion, bringing its total investment to $1.2 billion.

To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, Toyota also recently launched a virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to visit U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more.