TOYOTA ANNOUNCES MANUFACTURING PLANT IN CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO

Toronto, Ontario, December 12, 1985 (Japan Time; December 13)―After carefully reviewing many proposals, the TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION of Japan, today announced its decision to build a Canadian manufacturing plant in Cambridge. The plant represents a $400 million investment and major commitment to the Canadian economy.

The plant will employ approximately 1,000 Canadians, once production of 50,000 units has been achieved. It will begin manufacturing a 1.6 litre class passenger car in 1988.

Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corporation, accompanied by Mr. Eiji Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, addressed his remarks at a press conference to a group of dignitaries including the Honourable Sinclair Stevens, Minister of Regional Industrial Expansion and the Honourable David Peterson, Premier of Ontario.

Mr. Stevens welcomed this announcement and commented that "This project will represent a significant contribution to Canada's economy and a further commitment on the part of a corporation that has already demonstrated its willingness to be a member of our automotive industry." Mr. Peterson outlined, "This will have a great impact on job creation for Ontario, both in direct employment as well as jobs generated in supporting industries and services."

Dr. Toyoda told the gathering, "The Toyota Motor Corporation firmly believes in contributing to the economic and social well-being of the market where we sell our products."
Referring to this as "mutual prosperity", Dr. Toyoda said that such a philosophy means that the new plant would "be successful, based on our experience in manufacturing in other countries around the world, plus, the proven principles of the Toyota production method, as well as the respected industrial and innovative skills of Canada, itself."

Toyota's operating philosophy also includes a commitment to develop human resources. "Our start-up costs," said Dr. Toyoda, "include a substantial investment in training our new workforce." He indicated that some Canadians will be trained in Toyota City, Japan.

Toyota has already made notable contributions to the Canadian economy. In 1983, the company established CAPTIN, an aluminum wheel plant in Delta, British Columbia, which represents the first major investment made in Canada by a Japanese automobile company.