SAN ANTONIO – Toyota plans to invest $391 million to expand its San Antonio plant that produces Tacoma and Tundra pickup trucks, company officials said Tuesday.
Chris Reynolds, chief administrative officer for Toyota Motor North America, said the money will be spent on the latest state-of-the-art technology, including robotics, at the plant.
Reynolds was quick to point out that the "collaborative robotics" wouldn't replace workers, but would assist them with tasks they can't complete, like lifting heavy objects.
No new jobs will be added to the 3,200 workforce, although the facility itself will see some expansion, Reynolds said. No new vehicle models will be produced.
The expansion at the plant is the first in nine years.
"Thank you, Toyota, for continuing to invest in our community," state Sen. Pete Flores said in a news release. "This investment is only possible by the dual forces of a friendly Texas business environment and an industry-ready workforce. We must continue to protect and develop both as Texas continues to grow."
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Officials also announced that ground will be broken soon for a new $400 million plant in Cibolo that will produce transmissions for Toyota and other manufacturers.
When the announcement of the plant was made in July, Cibolo City Manager Robert Herrera said the Aisin AW plant will employ about 900 people.
"I am grateful to Toyota and Aisin AW for bringing more jobs to the Lone Star State and I look forward to growing our already strong partnership," said Gov. Greg Abbott, who attended Tuesday's expansion announcement. "The Lone Star State continues to build on its reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse thanks to investments from innovative companies like Toyota and Aisin AW."
Toyota has committed to investing $13 billion in its U.S. operations through 2021.