Toyota is securing thousands of auto manufacturing jobs in Ontario by making its plants in Woodstock and Cambridge the North American manufacturing hub for the RAV4.
A recent $220-million investment from provincial and federal governments will bolster a total $1.4-billion investment in the two plants, and will secure more than 8,000 existing jobs and add 450 more.
Premier Kathleen Wynne was joined by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Toyota's assembly plant in Cambridge on Friday to announce the investment, and how it will boost the competitiveness of Toyota's Cambridge and Woodstock operations, as well as support the long-term viability of automotive production in Ontario.
"Ontario has always been a great home for Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada," said Fred Volf, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada. "We benefit from investments in technology, innovation, and industry as well as the high-skilled workforce we’re fortunate to have as our team members. With our Ontario government partners, today we celebrate the results of our past 30 years of manufacturing in Canada, and continue on the path of building for our future."
The investment will also be used to retool the company's Ontario operations to build vehicles using Toyota's New Global Architecture, which will make dramatic improvements in the performance and competitiveness of the vehicle, as well as how it is engineered. It will also support research and development and add new automation technology in the paint and plastics shop.
"Today’s investment will create hundreds of jobs for Canadians, and keep our auto sector globally competitive and at the centre of the growing demand for hybrid cars," said Trudeau. "We welcome Toyota’s decision to expand their presence in Canada and invest in our highly skilled workforce. This is a smart decision that further establishes our country as the place where cars of the future are built."
In addition, specialized worker training will be provided, and will include up to 1,000 co-op placements.
"This is a vote of confidence in our talented workforce, and our entire province," said Wynne.
