This week, Toyota Alabama began production on three new part lines for differentials that are vital to the company’s Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia trucks.

These new differential production lines represent a $282 million investment from the manufacturer, along with the addition of 350 jobs at the Huntsville plant.

A differential enables the wheels on the same axle to rotate at varying speeds. This helps ensure smooth, safer handling by allowing the outer wheel to travel a longer distance than the inner wheel when navigating a turn.

On Wednesday, October 15, the manufacturer hosted a brief event to formally introduce the new production line. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison County Chairman Mac McCutcheon, and Madison County District 6 Commissioner Violet Edwards were all in attendance.

Mike Hogan, senior manager of production at Toyota Alabama, congratulated the team that not only helped make this new production line a possibility, but also completed it ahead of the typical schedule.

“The normal project schedule is about 26 months from start to end. But because this project was so urgent for Toyota, our target was 18 months, and you did it,” Hogan said.

Toyota Alabama President Marc Perry spoke about his team’s improvement over the years. He proudly shared how that increased focus on reaching strategic goals for the company at large contributed to the corporate office selecting the Huntsville location for this new product line.

“By getting better and better when this challenge came, Toyota said, ‘I know where we can put this, we can put this in Alabama,’” Perry said.

Perry also spoke about the specific, and complex, manufacturing process for the differentials, saying his team is ready for the challenge. Workers will be responsible for creating 30 different variations of the truck part.

“Toyota Alabama team members dedicated themselves to mastering the new processes and techniques needed for these products, and they are fully prepared to tackle the exciting challenge of machining and assembling differentials,” Perry said.

Battle thanked Toyota for its commitment and support of Huntsville’s citizens and economy. He also cited the new product line’s use of cutting-edge engineering, a topic the city is well-known for.

“It’s not just an investment in an automotive plan, it’s an investment in our people and in our community. It also means more opportunities, skilled workers, and more economic strength for North Alabama,” Battle said.

McCutcheon commended the Toyota employees for their partnership and dedication to the Huntsville community, citing their help in tornado relief efforts.

“The employees at Toyota have stepped up, and they have become a partner with us, trying to make sure that people are taken care of…,” McCutcheon said.

He continued, “That’s a reflection of both Toyota, but it’s also a reflection of you as a workforce and your commitment to where you live, where you raise your families, and where you work.”

According to Toyota, the company supplies engines for seven of its nine vehicles assembled in North America, accounting for nearly half of all engines assembled in the region.

Alex Potter, a Toyota Alabama team member of nearly two years, said being part of new product lines brings a sense of both excitement and accomplishment.

“Our plant is known as an engine powerhouse, and we are confident our proven success will carry over to assembling these new differentials,” Potter shared.

Toyota has also recently announced a new series of grants, totaling up to $4.2 million, to Huntsville City Schools as part of the company’s Driving Possibilities initiative. The program’s goal is to help expand access to quality STEM education and career pathways.

During the event, Battle briefly alluded to this initiative, reiterating Toyota’s strong support of the Rocket City in a myriad of ways.

“The project also speaks to Toyota’s longstanding confidence in our community and in our schools and in our training program. It also reflects a partnership that makes Huntsville a place where businesses and people thrive,” Battle said.