Putnam County, W.Va. — Toyota’s West Virginia manufacturing plant is set for another major expansion, with the company announcing a $453 million investment and 80 new jobs at its Buffalo, West Virginia facility as part of a nationwide effort to boost hybrid-vehicle production.
The upgrades come as Toyota rolls out a $912 million investment across five U.S. plants, reinforcing its commitment to invest up to $10 billion in American manufacturing over the next five years.
At the Buffalo site, workers will take on increased assembly of 4-cylinder hybrid-compatible engines, sixth-generation hybrid transaxles and rear motor stators. The company also plans to implement new shift patterns aimed at improving efficiency. Production tied to the upgrades is expected to begin in 2027.
“Customers are embracing Toyota’s hybrid vehicles, and our U.S. manufacturing teams are gearing up to meet that growing demand,” said Kevin Voelkel, senior vice president of manufacturing operations. “By adding more American jobs and investing across our U.S. footprint, we continue to stay true to our philosophy to build where we sell.”
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey welcomed the announcement, calling it another sign of the state’s growing industrial strength.
“Toyota’s continued investment in West Virginia demonstrates that our workforce, business climate, and communities deliver real results for companies,” said Gov. Patrick Morrisey. “This investment, which creates 80 new jobs for hard-working West Virginians, reflects a strong confidence in our people and in the strength of our economy. We are proud to see Toyota continue to grow in the Mountain State as they build world-class technology and drive the future of American manufacturing. I want to thank Toyota for believing in our workers, our communities, and our shared future.”
Toyota West Virginia already assembles more than one million engines, transmissions and hybrid transaxles annually and now represents a $3.3 billion total investment in the state. The Buffalo facility remains one of the region’s largest employers and a crucial contributor to West Virginia’s manufacturing sector.
Toyota also announced additional investments and jobs at its plants in Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee and Missouri as it prepares to add hybrid-electric Corollas to its U.S. production lineup.
