(September 23, 2017) PRINCETON, Ind. — When long-time team members Sandra and Andres Chaparro saw the first vehicle roll off the line in 1998, they felt a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing they’d had a hand building it. Little did they know; their hands would be busy building 4,999,999 more vehicles over the next 20 years.

“It’s really seems like yesterday we opened the plant and started our journey with Toyota,” Chaparros said. “After 20 years — and 5 million vehicles—Toyota has really become our second family.

"Having a reliable career with a company that cares about us as team members and offers opportunity for growth has been so important to us both and to our family. We’re so proud to have been a part of these 5 million cars and all of TMMI’s successes.”

There’s no question, the 5-millionth vehicle — a Toyota Sequoia Platinum — is a direct result of the plant’s world-class workforce. Growing to more than 5,300 team members over the past 21 years, Toyota Indiana is driving into the future with a strong presence in the industry and in its local communities with a total plant investment of $4.3 billion and new growth on the horizon. 
 
“This milestone is a great testament to the men and women at Toyota Indiana," said plant president Millie Marshall. “Our team members have met every challenge and continue to build incredible vehicles for our customers in a safe and efficient way.”

With 5 million vehicles in its repertoire, there has to be a secret of success, right? Aside from its dedication to quality, safety and a solid commitment to its team members, Toyota Indiana also attributes its success to the support from various community partners and elected officials.

And while building vehicles is the lifeblood for the plant, building partnerships in its communities is just as important. To commemorate the many years of success, Toyota Indiana awarded five local nonprofits with a surprise donation of $15,000 each promoting initiatives ranging from workforce development to youth safety, and several STEM education programs, all of which will help further the plant’s mission to build more than great cars.