HUNTSVILLE — Toyota Alabama announced the start of production for three cutting-edge differentials during an event Wednesday at its manufacturing facility off Pulaski Pike.
The announcement marks a major expansion of its Huntsville operations and signaling a new chapter for one of the state’s most significant manufacturers
The new assembly lines are part of a previously announced $282 million investment that brings 350 additional high-quality jobs to the facility. The expansion allows Toyota Alabama to move beyond engine production, adding differential assembly for Toyota’s Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia models.
Toyota Alabama President Marc Perry said the new differential line represents innovation and adaptability.
“Today, we’re expanding beyond engines,” Perry said. “We’re taking on a new challenge and a totally new product line. This highlights Alabama’s flexibility and reinforces our commitment to our team members in Huntsville.”
Perry said getting the new production line added to the Alabama plant required quick coordination and creativity.
The facility had space available from a retired six-cylinder engine line, and Toyota Alabama leaders worked with corporate teams to propose installing the new differential operation there on an accelerated timeline.
Normally, a project of this scale takes about two years to complete, he said, but the Huntsville team met the challenge in just 18 months.
“By doing that, we got the project and put it in,” Perry said. “It was a challenge, but these teams got up to it. We had a great group who made it happen.”
The new lines are among the most technically advanced in the plant, machining and assembling differentials and axles to microscopic precision.
The facility’s 2,000-plus team members already produce engines for seven of nine Toyota vehicles assembled in North America, accounting for nearly half of all Toyota engines built in the region.
“For nearly 25 years, Toyota has been part of Huntsville’s story, building engines, building careers and building a community,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “We’re here to mark another exciting step forward. This investment means more opportunity for skilled workers and more economic strength for North Alabama.”
Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon said the expansion reinforces Toyota’s long-standing partnership with the community.
“The investment that Toyota has made on this property is very significant,” McCutcheon said. “Toyota is a very special partner for Madison County. When we’ve had tornadoes or tragedies in our community, Toyota employees have stepped up to help.
“That’s a reflection of Toyota and also of the workforce and their commitment to where they live, raise their families, and work.”
District 6 County Commissioner Violet Edwards said the economic ripple effect will reach every part of her district.
“Toyota has been a fantastic partner not only in manufacturing but in community service,” Edwards said. “When you add 350 new jobs, you’re adding 350 people who will be out in the community supporting schools, businesses and local families. That’s a great day for District 6 citizens.”
Toyota’s total investment in its Huntsville plant now exceeds $1.7 billion. The company assembled more than 895,000 engines in 2024 alone and continues to play a key role in North Alabama’s advanced manufacturing economy.
Beyond the plant, Toyota is investing in the next generation of workers through its Driving Possibilities initiative, which has provided nearly $11 million in grants to Huntsville City Schools over the past two years to expand access to STEM education and career pathways.
Battle said the expansion reflects not only economic growth but also the city’s relationship with one of its most important partners.
“This is more than an investment in an automotive plant,” Battle said. “It’s an investment in our people and our community.”
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