Mississippi Governor Barbour Announces Toyota Supplier To Locate In New Albany

Vuteq USA to create 130 jobs at its plant, up to 500 more at main Toyota facility

March 10, 2008 -- (JACKSON, Mississippi) – Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour announced today that Vuteq USA, Inc. will build its newest manufacturing facility to supply Toyota in the North Mississippi city of New Albany. The $31 million plant is expected to open in 2009, employing 130 people.

Vuteq will provide more than 50 injection molded parts as well as the assembly of the deckboard and assembly of various component parts to glass, such as the back window and front and rear door windows. Vuteq will begin production to coincide with the start-up of Toyota’s new Highlander SUV plant. Up to 500 people are expected to be employed by Vuteq to work at the Toyota facility.

“Vuteq USA’s decision to locate in New Albany further demonstrates Mississippi’s commitment to partner with automotive suppliers to create a winning situation for the company, the community in which it will locate, and the state,” Governor Haley Barbour said. “I join New Albany and Union County in welcoming its newest corporate citizen and the new jobs that will be created by this fine company.”

“Vuteq is proud to be a new member of the New Albany community. During the process of selecting sites the overwhelming attribute of New Albany was its friendly and welcoming nature. All of us within the Vuteq organization are excited about the potential of this New Albany facility. We want to acknowledge the hard work of the Mississippi Development Authority and the members of the Union County Development Association. Without their efforts we would not be here today. Vuteq is looking forward to establishing long term relationships within the community and surrounding area.” said Chris Spence, president, Vuteq Canada, Inc. who will oversee the new Mississippi facility.

In February, Toyota announced that it would invest $1.3 billion in its eighth North American manufacturing facility in Blue Springs. Eventually, 2,000 direct jobs will be created once the plant is at full production capacity, and another 4,900 spin-off, or indirect jobs are expected to be created within five years of the plant’s opening.

The state’s contribution for Vuteq USA totals $1.5 million towards infrastructure and $3 million in tier one supplier training funds.

“We are pleased that the legislature’s foresight to provide tier one supplier funding has created another 130-plus jobs that will enhance the economy of North Mississippi and the state as a whole,” said Gray Swoope, Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority.

Source: Mississippi Governor

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