WASHINGTON, April 19, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce today commended Toyota for its plans to begin production of the Lexus ES 350 at its Georgetown, KY plant in 2015. Building the Lexus automobile, the first time the luxury brand will be produced in the U.S., will result in 750 new jobs.
"Toyota, a strong partner of the USHCC, has long understood the power of the American workforce to create a high quality product that American consumers want," said USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez. "As we strive to reach a full economic recovery in the U.S., it is encouraging to see global companies like Toyota creating jobs and promoting economic development by investing in America."
The Georgetown plant currently employs 6,600 individuals. The 750 news jobs will bring a $360 million investment to the plant and increase the facility's production to 550,000 automobiles a year.
After the announcement, Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corporation stated, "Lexus was founded in the United States, so it's only fitting that we are bringing the production of luxury sedans for our U.S. customers back to where the brand was born. Today's announcement is a major step in our Global Vision to make ever better cars and trucks, give regions greater autonomy to make the products their customers want and achieve sustainable growth globally."
"The USHCC recognizes the crucial need for further corporate investment in communities across America," said USHCC Chairman Marc Rodriguez. "Fortunately, Toyota has made a commitment to increasing employment opportunities and growing the U.S. economy."
About the USHCC
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of over 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses across the United States that contribute in excess of $465 billion to the American economy each year. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers and business associations in the United States and Puerto Rico. Follow us on Twitter @USHCC