Toyota opens $154 extended research center in Michigan

It’s been a long way for Toyota’s North American operations coming from the small garage first opened in Ann Arbor in 1972.Opening celebration of the automaker’s largest R&D center outside of Japan was on May 4 th in York Township. There were more than 400 officials from Toyota and and also across the state. At this celebration was also Gov.Rick Snyder.

Toyota declared three years ago a $154 million growth as part of the “One Toyota” plan, in order to combine operations in North America.The investment has moved talent from a Kentucky engineering and manufacturing center and from California to Michigan.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our continued investment in Michigan, which contributes to our overall long-standing commitment to invest in America,” said Jim Lentz, CEO, Toyota Motor North America. “Expanding the Research and Development Campus in York Township is an incredible next step in Toyota’s journey in the United States.”

This new center represents more than just a building,but mindset, said Jim Lentz,CEO of Toyota in North America.. He also said that Toyota is not limited only on automotive capacity but the development of robots to assist the elderly and those with physical handicaps.
This new facility employs about 1,600 people. Also is in the process for certification as a LEED Version 4 Platinum building. If certified this would be the first building of that kind in the state.

The celebration was opportunity to welcome the newest executive leader to the TMNA R&D team, Shinichi Yasui who arrived in April, serves as Toyota engineering and manufacturing president, executive vice president of TMNA R&D and managing officer of Toyota Motor Corporation.

“We now have a fully developed research and development operation in the heart of the auto industry in southeast Michigan, which will allow for deep collaboration between all departments, reinforcing our commitment to One Toyota,” said Yasui. “I am excited to join the TMNA R&D team as we commemorate 40 years of engineering excellence here in Michigan.”

The event was finished with planting cherry trees to honor the achievement. Since the opening the York Township campus TMNA and TMC executives planted almost 200 trees. This is a part of the “Cherry Tree Project.” THe cherry tree blossom is Japanese culture dates back hundreds years ago. The cherry trees were in bloom at the TMNA R&D grand opening celebration just in right time in Michigan,The company announced $200,000 in grants to several organizations in Michigan. TMNA R&D presented Toyota Tundra truck to York Township.