Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing Inc. has won the Georgia Department of Economic Development's inaugural Automotive Supplier of the Year Award. The Georgia Automotive Awards recognize leaders throughout the state and honor them as part of the state's automotive ecosystem.
Toyo was recognized for its substantial and sustained growth, and its associated contributions to the state’s economic development efforts. Since breaking ground in White, Ga., in 2004, Toyo has more than doubled the size of its facility and grown the staff from an initial 81 employees to 1,180 workers. The fourth expansion, scheduled for completion in 2017, brings the total manufacturing space to 3 million square feet.
Bartow County Commissioner Steve Taylor said the expansion will boost Toyo’s local investment to more than $1 billion. The White plant features the company’s proprietary Advanced Tire Operation Modules (ATOM) process, which produces tires hands-free. Once the fourth and final expansion is completed, the plant will have about 40 ATOM machines, increasing the annual output to about 9 million tires.
“Georgia is a key market for Toyo Tires and our work here is paramount to the overall success of our organization,” said Jim Hawk, Toyo Tires’ Chairman. “The robust automotive industry and network in the state, combined with business-friendly tax incentives and an overall low cost of doing business, make Georgia an ideal location for Toyo Tires to continue on its growth path. This honor further validates the great things Toyo Tires is doing, and we sincerely appreciate the committee’s consideration.”
The first-ever Georgia Automotive Awards were awarded to companies and individuals in five categories: Company of the Year, Leader of the Year, Innovation Award, Supplier of the Year and Community Impact Award.
