HOPKINSVILLE, Ky.—A new automotive parts manufacturing plant currently under construction by Toyota Boshoku America, Inc., in Hopkinsville will produce seat frame mechanism parts, such as seat tracks, seat recliners, and gear motors.
The 327,000-square-foot facility, described as the company’s first “smart plant,” is expected to begin operating in 2025 in Hopkinsville’s South Park Development, according to a release from Toyota Bokoshu America. The global automotive supplier said it will invest $225 million and create more than 150 jobs at the new plant, which seeks to create a positive environmental impact that benefits the local community.
“We aim to not only create new jobs and invest in a smart manufacturing facility, but also to promote a more efficient and environmentally responsible operation,” said Toyota Boshoku Corporation’s President Masayoshi Shirayanagi, in a statement.
Toyota Boshoku Corporation, a member of the Toyota group of companies, develops and manufactures automotive interior systems and other automotive components. Toyota Boshoku has extensive manufacturing operations in Japan, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Toyota Boshoku America, based in Erlanger, Kentucky, employs more than 13,000 people in 22 locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. The company’s U.S. manufacturing sites are located in Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Kentucky.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear joined representatives of Toyota Boshoku America, Inc. and local leaders in Christian County recently to announce the establishment of the new parts manufacturing facility.
“I want to thank leadership at Toyota Boshoku for this commitment to the commonwealth as we continue to see significant investment in Kentucky’s automotive future,” said Governor Beshear, in a statement. “I am thrilled to see this company build on its already impressive presence in our state. This project is another big win for Hopkinsville and the West Kentucky region and means even more great jobs for our residents.”
Christian County officials and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), along with South Western Kentucky Economic Development, welcomed Toyota Boshoku’s investment in the area.
“TVA is proud to partner with Pennyrile RECC, the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the City of Hopkinsville, and Christian County to support companies, like Toyota Boshoku America, that are driving innovation in the region,” said John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development, in the release. “We celebrate this occasion together and look forward to the company’s impactful success in the Commonwealth.”