Hino Motors flips the switch on production expansion

Hino Motors flips the switch on production expansion

Rear- axle line part of $ 55 million plant upgrade at Marion facility

news@theeveningtimes.com

Hino Motors is celebrating yet another milestone at its manufacturing plant in Marion.

Company officials on Thursday joined together with state and local dignitaries, suppliers, and workers to launch the official start of production on the real axle for the Toyota Tacoma.

The move was part of a $55 million expansion announced in 2013 which resulted in more than 200 new jobs being added to the Marion plant.

Takashi Ono, president of Hino Motors Manufacturing, USA, said he was proud of the workers for their continued dedication, and for being able to make the transition smoothly when they decided to move the assembly line from its plant in Ontario, California to Marion.

“This was a big challenge for Hino and required much preparation,” Ono said.

“We expanded the Marion production space by 110,000 square feet. Second, over the course of two years we purchased, transferred, and installed additional production equipment. And third, we hired and brought hundreds of good team members to work on this Tacoma production. Because of the effort of our dedicated team members, our supplier partners, and support from Toyota, all of this was done without any interruption to Toyota.”

The Marion plant began operations in 2006 and manufactures rear axles for the Toyota Tundra and Tacoma pick up trucks, as well as other components for the Sequoia SUV and Carolla.

Today, Ono said the Marion plant now has 563,000 square feet of manufacturing space, 550 machines in operation, and a total investment of $280 million by Hino.

“But most importantly, Hino Marion now employs more than 750 full time team members, of which more than 300 team members are now working on the new Tacoma project,” Ono said. “We could not have achieved this result without all of you.”

Bill Gossage, deputy chief of staff to Governor Asa Hutchinson, said Hino has exceeded all of their expectations in Arkansas.

“From the first shovel of dirt in 2004 to today where you produce 1,000 axles per day, that’s a great accomplishment,” Gossage said.

Gossage added that Hino has brought high paying, quality jobs to Arkansas, and added to the state’s reputation as a great place to do business.

“This has made a difference in the lives of people in Arkansas,” Gossage said. event.

“A real difference. A real opportunity. A real change.

Good paying jobs are the backbone of our economy and what we have here are great paying jobs and we are proud of Hino Motors.”

Danny Grimes, executive vice president of Arkansas Economic Development Commission, said Hino is the very definition of what they are trying to accomplish in Arkansas by creating more economic opportunity, attracting higher paying jobs, increasing incomes and investment, and expanding and diversifying the state and local economy.

“You, Hino Motors, are exactly what we work to achieve every day on behalf of every citizen in Arkansas,” Grimes said.

“So we celebrate your success and we thank you for doing business in Arkansas.”

Mike Demster, executive director of Marion Chamber of Commerce, praised Hino for its continued investment, and noted that the Marion plant is now the sixth largest manufacturing facility in the Memphis metropolitan area.

“Manufacturing is now the second biggest industry in Marion,” Demster said.

“There is probably not a city in the country that wouldn’t love to have that under their belt.”

Nobuhisa Tanaka, executive advisor for Toyota Motor North America, Inc., told team members that they are “invaluable, irreplaceable partners” and that Hino is a very special company to Toyota.

“Hino has been a pioneer in new technology, especially for commercial vehicles,” Tanaka said. “Without Hino’s strong support, we are not here today.”

Tanaka, a fan of karaoke, concluded his remarks by walking out into the crowd of workers who had assembled for the ceremony and singing “We are the Champions” by British rock band Queen in honor of their accomplishment.

“All members of Hino, you can be proud that you are a member of a most admired company,” Tanaka said. “Today is another milestone and proof of the further success of the company, and it is all because of you. As partner today and into the future, your success is our success. Our success is your success.

Let’s work together. I love you. I love Hino.

By Mark Randall