Toyota trucking wing establishes Ontario plant (March 06, 2006)

Hino Motors Ltd., a Toyota subsidiary, will begin assembling trucks for the Canadian market in Woodstock, Ont. in April, 2006.
Hino had previously outsourced assembly of trucks for the Canadian market to its facility in Long Beach, Calif., where Hino began North American production in 2004.
Hino, will produce Classes 4, 5, 6 and 7 trucks at the Woodstock facility.
Heavy truck assembly is not a major employer, but analysts have been heartened by the indication of further commitment by the Japanese to Canada.
The Hino announcement comes on the heels of Toyota’s decision to build an automotive assembly plant in Woodstock, which will employ about 2,000 people. The facility is scheduled to open in 2008 and will cost of $800 million to build.
Hino Motors’ operation will employ approximately 45 people, and produce about 2,000 trucks a year. Hino Vice-President, Alex Breuer, said the trucks assembled in Woodstock will include a high percentage of North American-made parts, but initially the critical components the engine and cab will be manufactured in Japan.
Woodstock Development Commissioner Len Magyar called the Hino announcement a vote of confidence in the community.
“Hino ultimately selected Woodstock because of its high quality work force, excellent transportation infrastructure and proximity to both customers and suppliers,” he said.
Magyar added that Hino bought an additional five acres of land in the community to protect its long-term interests.