Toyota announced another expansion of the battery plant now under construction at the Greensboro Randolph Megasite on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
This latest planned expansion of the Toyota North Carolina Battery Manufacturing facility will cost about $8 billion and add approximately 3,000 jobs.
In 2021, when Toyota announced it had chosen the Greensboro Randolph Megasite for its first vehicle battery plant in the US, the initial investment was estimated at $1.29 billion, which would result in the creation of 1,750 new jobs.
In August 2022, Toyota announced it planned an additional investment of $2.5 billion, which would create an additional 350 jobs.
In May 2023, Toyota made an announcement that its total investment at the site would be increased by $2.1 billion for a total of $5.9 billion.
With this latest announcement, the total investment by Toyota in the North Carolina battery plant has been raised to $13.9 billion and the total number of jobs created at the site to 3,000.
The $8 billion in additional investment will add eight battery production lines, which will bring the total of battery production lines to 10.
The Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina plant is scheduled to open in 2025 and go into full production in 2030. When complete, the facility will have 7 million square feet of battery production.
In the press release, President of Toyota North Carolina Sean Suggs said, “Today’s announcement reinforces Toyota’s commitment to electrification and carbon reduction, bringing jobs and future economic growth to the region. We are excited to see the continued energy and support of this innovative manufacturing facility.”
Gov. Roy Cooper said, “Through the last few years of building relationships, including my most recent trip to Tokyo and meeting President Sato, our partnership with Toyota has become stronger than ever, culminating in this historic announcement. North Carolina’s transition to a clean energy economy is bringing better paying jobs that will support our families and communities for decades to come.”
President Pro Tem of the state Senate Sen. Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) said, “Toyota’s latest expansion in North Carolina is monumental. The additional jobs and increased capital investment are proof that the Triad and our rural communities are prepared to support high-tech manufacturing. I’m thankful for Toyota’s dedication to our state and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow and employ hardworking North Carolinians.”
This is a big deal. Since Julian is unincorporated, I believe the address for this plant will be Liberty. Once this plant became a fact, I’m sure that real estate in Liberty and area has gone ballistic. I can see as a bedroom community, and as a destination for local factory workers, dependents, visitors; joints, retail stores, supermarkets, housing and apartments, places to hang out, etc. Perhaps a mini-Wally World? No need for the hassle to go into Greensboro every day. Said to be operational in 2025.
There is also big construction at the old Julian airport, lots of trailers for construction workers at/near the site. Most probably expanded for corporate jets, maybe even regional jets. The entire area is blocked off to visitors. Perhaps Toyota now owns or controls the new airport?