A transaxle for hybrid vehicles is displayed during Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia’s 2019 announcement of a building expansion to double capacity of hybrid transaxle production.
BUFFALO — Toyota West Virginia announced Wednesday it will invest an additional $88 million in its Putnam County facility that assembles transaxles for hybrid vehicles.
A transaxle for hybrid vehicles is displayed during Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia’s 2019 announcement of a building expansion to double capacity of hybrid transaxle production.
HD Media file photo
Since it opened in 1998 with 300 employees, more than $2.8 billion has been invested in Toyota West Virginia, which assembles both engines and drivetrain components for Toyota’s North American operations.
Production of the hybrid transaxles began in Buffalo last summer. It is the only Toyota plant in North America to assemble hybrid transaxles. More than 2,000 people now work at the Putnam County facility.
“This investment is another example of Toyota’s ‘build where we sell’ philosophy and further proof of the company’s confidence in our team members,†said David Rosier, president of Toyota West Virginia, in a news release. “Their willingness to embrace innovation and champion bold ideas continues to drive us forward, and we’re proud to play a pivotal role in providing customers with a variety of drivetrain options.â€
Scheduled to start production in late 2026, the drivetrain component will help power future North American-assembled Toyota and Lexus models and support the growing electric vehicle market.
According to Toyota, the hybrid transaxle transfers power between vehicles’ engines, electric motors and wheels.
“I applaud this major investment into our state,†Gov. Patrick Morrisey said in the release. “As the home of Toyota’s only North American plant for this complex machinery, West Virginia will continue to prioritize economic development and skilled jobs for our workforce.â€
To celebrate its ongoing commitment to the state, Toyota West Virginia also announced Wednesday it is donating $100,000 to the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center to support the center’s workforce development program.
Toyota said its goal is to broaden recruiting efforts for Marshall University’s skills programs and introduce more people to careers in advanced manufacturing.
“This generous contribution from Toyota West Virginia will have a lasting impact on our efforts to create a more dynamic and innovative workforce in advanced manufacturing,†said Marshall President Brad D. Smith in the release. “Through this program, we are opening doors for so many to gain critical skills, explore rewarding careers and help shape the future of this industry.â€
State Sen. Glenn Jefferies, R-Putnam, who represents the district where the plant is located, also applauded Wednesday’s announcement.
“Toyota West Virginia has been a long-standing and valued partner to both the state and Putnam County,†Jefferies said in the release. “This announcement regarding the sixth-generation hybrid transaxle is yet another example of Toyota’s continued commitment to investing in West Virginia and supporting this plant as a key economic driver.
“Toyota’s success here is a story we proudly share when promoting the state for future economic development opportunities — they continue to set the bar.â€
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