Toyota Indiana Adding 300 Jobs to Build More Highlanders

Southwest Indiana is growing again with an announcement by Toyota Indiana of a $100 million investment to its Princeton plant adding 300 jobs to boost production of the Highlander Hybrid.

The plant will invest $100 million and add 300 jobs by summer 2016 to boost production of the popular Highlander midsize sport utility vehicle. This expansion will bring Toyota Indiana’s overall investment to $4 billion.

Since production of the third-generation Highlander began in the Indiana plant in December 2013, sales have been strong. From January through Huly 2014, Toyota sold about 90,000 Highlanders, an increase of 16 percent over the same period the previous year.

Toyota Indiana is currently building the Highlander only in the West Plant alongside the Sequoia full-size sport utility vehicle. With the increased demand, production of the Highlander will be added to the East Plant, where the Sierra minivan is built.

“The Highlander has been a great product for our plant,” said Toyota Indiana President Norm Bafunno. “Establishing Highlander as the ‘bridge vehicle,’ as we call it, between the East and West plants increases our ability to meet customer needs for our outstanding products. This exciting news is a true testament to the capability of our hard-working and dedicated team members.”

“Indiana is a state that works when it comes to building the cars that keep America moving forward,” said Gov. Mike Pence. “Hoosier-built products like the Toyota Highlander are known around the world for their precision and quality. And with suppliers in all corners of the state, Toyota is helping to strengthen and grow Indiana’s economy.”

Read the full release from Toyota, or learn more about which major corporations already call Southwest Indiana home.