Toyota announces £88 million investment in North Wales plant

Toyota has announced plans to introduce a new small petrol engine at its plant in Deeside, North Wales. The introduction of the new 4-cylinder 1.3-litre petrol engine represents an additional investment of £88 million and highlights Toyota’s drive for improved environmental performance and emissions reduction. Production of the new engine is scheduled for late 2009.

The announcement was made today by Mr. Tokuichi Uranishi, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Corporation, during a ceremony at the plant attended by Welsh Assembly Government First Minister Rhodri Morgan AM and Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economy and Transport Ieuan Wyn Jones AM.

The Ministers were attending the plant to join workers to celebrate the start of production of casting and machining operations for the ZR engine which was announced last February.

Today’s announcement represents the second major investment in engine production at the Deeside Plant since 2007, and is in addition to the £700 million already invested in the Deeside operation. It will also enable the company to maintain its commitment to long-term stable employment.

Mr. Tokuichi Uranishi, Executive Vice-President of Toyota Motor Corporation said: “This announcement recognises the quality of the UK workforce and demonstrates Toyota’s confidence in our UK investment and continued efforts towards local production. This new engine, along with the recent investment here at Deeside, means this plant will have two of the most advanced engine manufacturing lines in the world.

“In making this announcement today, I would like to recognise the partnership we have with the Welsh Assembly Government, suppliers and the local community.”

First Minister Rhodri Morgan AM said: “The fact that Toyota has chosen to develop these new engines in North Wales is testament to the skills of the local workforce and the assistance given to the company by the Assembly Government for the development of new engine technology. I am delighted with today’s announcement, which will continue to safeguard the jobs here in Deeside for many years to come.”

Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economic Development and Transport Ieuan Wyn Jones AM added: “Toyota is a very valued part of the regional economy here in North East Wales. It has introduced new technology, new skills and new business for many local suppliers. This new investment, which will be supported by the Assembly Government, is a further reinforcement of the company’s commitment to Wales and another demonstration of the success of its Welsh operation."

The Deeside engine plant currently produces fully-assembled petrol engines for Toyota’s vehicle manufacturing plant at Burnaston, Derbyshire where the Auris and Avensis models are produced. The plant also undertakes casting and machining of engine sets for export to Toyota plants in countries across the world - including Venezuela, Brazil, Turkey, France, South Africa and Japan – for local assembly.

Production began in September 1992 and in February 2007 the plant celebrated the production of its 3 millionth engine.