Toyota Produces Next Generation Engine in Alabama
In 2017, Toyota stated that it would be engaging in a new type of technology called Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) in the manufacture of next generation engines. The company was to use its facility in Alabama to produce the new engine. Last month, the first next-generation, 4-cylinder engine was produced after investing $106 million in the Huntsville facility.
The president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Alabama stated that he couldn’t be prouder to have achieved this goal. The recent launching of the TNGA engine is a clear statement that the company is committed to innovation through a skilled workforce. The company is moving swiftly to start advanced manufacturing. TNGA has been regarded as a better approach to the way the company engages in the design, engineering and production of automobiles and their parts. The weight of parts has been reduced, while increasing their strength through better materials and new laser welding methods. This has led to increased performance and efficiency in many stages of production.
Toyota Alabama has had four expansions since 2003. The workforce has been able to increase proportionately from 300 members in 2003 to approximately 1,500 currently. The new production line alone was able to add 50 jobs and in addition increased the total plant investment by almost $1 billion. The plant in Alabama has been hailed as one of the largest facilities by Toyota globally. As such, in 2017 alone, the plant produced over 700,000 engines for different Toyota models. Narrowing down on the specifics, this translates to 3,000 engines daily, which is a rather high figure.
It is therefore evident that Toyota Alabama has achieved commendable success in the state and is engaging in innovative strategies to maintain a top position.
