Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of its new North American headquarters in Plano, Texas. This state-of-the-art campus is not just a building; it embodies Toyota’s unwavering commitment to the United States and its vision for the future of mobility. The inauguration event, held on July 6, 2017, brought together dignitaries, partners, and community leaders to celebrate this pivotal moment for Toyota and the North Texas region.
One Toyota Vision Comes to Life at New Plano HQ
The unveiling of the new headquarters in Plano represents a crucial step in Toyota’s 60-year journey in the United States. Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota in North America, emphasized the strategic importance of this consolidation. “The opening of our new headquarters in Plano is an extraordinary next step,” Lentz stated. “With team members from four different companies together in one campus location, we believe this will inspire greater collaboration, innovation, and faster decision making.” This move is central to Toyota’s “One Toyota” initiative, designed to unify North American operations by bringing together key functions – including quality engineering, sales, marketing, financial services, and corporate operations – under one roof at this new Toyota Hq.
This strategic consolidation is expected to enhance synergy and efficiency as Toyota focuses on leading the future of mobility. The co-location is designed to foster a more integrated and dynamic work environment, ultimately benefiting customers through improved products and services.
Investment in America: Toyota’s $10 Billion Commitment
Toyota’s investment in the Plano headquarters is part of a broader $10 billion capital investment in the U.S. over five years, underscoring the company’s deep and growing footprint in the American economy. This substantial financial commitment includes not only the construction of the expansive Toyota HQ campus but also significant improvements to existing manufacturing facilities across the country. President Trump acknowledged and applauded this commitment in a written statement to Toyota, recognizing the company’s contribution to sustaining American jobs.
The Plano project itself represents a $1 billion investment, encompassing the construction of the corporate campus on a 100-acre site. This project involved relocating thousands of team members and their families from various locations, including California and Kentucky, to North Texas. The phased move, which began in late spring and continued through December 2017, saw hundreds of employees transitioning to the new Toyota HQ each week. This relocation and expansion is projected to bring up to 4,000 jobs to North Texas by the end of 2017, significantly boosting the local economy.
State-of-the-Art and Sustainable Toyota HQ Campus
The new Toyota HQ campus is designed to embody the “One Toyota” vision, prioritizing transparency, collaboration, and innovation. The campus architecture and layout are intentionally crafted to encourage interaction and cross-functional teamwork. At the heart of the campus is a large central courtyard, serving as a vibrant hub for social and business activities, housing dining, fitness, and conferencing facilities.
Sustainability is a core principle of the Toyota HQ design. The campus is pursuing LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, reflecting Toyota’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Key sustainable features include:
- Native Landscaping: Exterior landscaping utilizes drought-resistant plants that are native to the Texas habitat, minimizing water usage.
- Solar Power: A massive 8.79-megawatt solar array, comprising over 20,000 solar panels, contributes significantly to the campus’s energy needs.
- Renewable Energy Commitment: Toyota is committed to using 100% renewable energy, sourcing electricity from Texas wind farms to supplement the solar power generated on-site.
- Rainwater Harvesting: A rainwater harvesting system with a capacity of up to 400,000 gallons is used for irrigation, further reducing water consumption.
Doug Beebe, general manager of real estate and facilities for Toyota Motor North America, highlighted the campus’s innovative and sustainable design: “Our new campus has fun, unexpected, and even playful features that reflect our commitment to be a world-class leader in innovation with state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies. It also is a great example of Toyota’s commitment to environmental sustainability.”
Celebrating 60 Years in the US at Toyota HQ
The opening of the Toyota HQ in Plano coincides with Toyota’s 60th anniversary in the United States. This milestone underscores Toyota’s long-standing presence and deep integration into the American cultural and economic landscape. Over six decades, Toyota has built a substantial U.S. footprint, including:
- $23.4 billion in direct investment
- 10 manufacturing assembly facilities across the nation
- Nearly 1,500 Toyota and Lexus dealerships
- 136,000 direct and dealer employees
The new Toyota HQ serves as a symbol of this enduring commitment and a platform for future growth and innovation in the U.S. market.
Economic Impact and Community Engagement around Toyota HQ
The relocation of Toyota HQ to Plano has had a significant positive economic impact on North Texas. Governor Greg Abbott praised Toyota’s expansion in Texas, stating, “The 4,000 jobs added and Toyota’s impressive new facility are proof of the remarkable momentum of Texas’ continuing economic expansion. I am proud that Toyota is expanding here, and I thank them for their commitment to being an important part of our Texas community.”
Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere echoed this sentiment, welcoming Toyota to the city: “Toyota has already proven to be a great corporate citizen and neighbor, and we look forward to the continued impact it will have not only on Plano, but on the whole North Texas region.” Toyota’s presence in Plano not only brings jobs but also fosters community engagement and partnerships, contributing to the vibrancy and growth of the region.
The grand opening celebration itself was a testament to this community integration, featuring performances by the Plano Symphony and local artists, and attended by numerous local dignitaries and community leaders. The Toyota HQ is poised to be a major economic and community anchor in North Texas for decades to come, driving innovation and growth for Toyota and the region alike.
