HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials and leadership at Toyota Boshoku America Inc. (TBA) to celebrate the recent announcement of the company’s new $225 million investment in Hopkinsville that will create 157 quality jobs for Kentuckians.
The company makes automotive interior systems, which includes seats, door trim, headliner, substrate and carpet in addition to air and oil filters for a variety of customers such as Toyota, BMW and Subaru. In Kentucky, the company operates plants in Bardstown, Harrodsburg and Lebanon. With completion of this plant, TBA will employ over 1,100 Kentuckians across five locations throughout the commonwealth.
The new facility will include a 327,000-s.f. building pad on nearly 50 acres in Christian County. The plant will be TBA’s first “smart plant,” implementing technologies to create a more efficient and environmentally responsible operation. The facility will produce seat frame mechanism parts such as seat tracks, seat recliners and motors with gear. Construction began in June 2023 with operation planned for 2025.
“We aim to not only create new jobs and invest in a smart manufacturing facility but also to promote a more efficient and environmentally responsible operation,” said Toyota Boshoku Corp. President Masayoshi Shirayanagi.
Toyota Boshoku Corp. develops and produces interior, filtration and powertrain components. With its global headquarters in Kariya City, Japan, Toyota Boshoku is the parent company of TBA, which is based in Erlanger, Ky. TBA and its affiliates employ over 13,000 team members in 22 locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina.
“I want to thank the leadership at Toyota Boshoku for this commitment to the commonwealth as we continue to see significant investment in Kentucky’s automotive future,” Beshear said. “I am thrilled to see this company build on its already impressive presence in our state. This project is another big win for Hopkinsville and the Western Kentucky region and means even more great jobs for our people.”
Christian County Judge/Executive Jerry Gilliam spoke on the positive relationship between TBA and the community: “Christian County government is always honored to work with world-class companies like Toyota Boshoku America. We have been impressed with company leadership since our initial introductions. TBA is the region’s 12th Japanese investment. We are looking forward to supporting their success and ensuring it won’t be the last.”
Hopkinsville Mayor JR Knight mentioned the job creation: “With this investment, Toyota Boshoku will be creating outstanding jobs which we celebrate as an opportunity to change the life of an individual and their family.”
John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development,congratulated the company on the announcement: “TVA is proud to partner with Pennyrile RECC, the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the City of Hopkinsville and Christian County to support companies, like Toyota Boshoku America, that are driving innovation in the region. We celebrate this occasion together and look forward to the company’s impactful success in the commonwealth.”
