(April 15, 2017) BLUE SPRINGS, Miss. — Toyota is rolling out the welcome mat at its Blue Springs manufacturing facility. The automaker on Friday announced it will build a nearly $10 million visitor and interactive training center that will offer public tours showcasing how nearly 2,000 Mississippians produce Corolla vehicles. That announcement came during a celebration of the 10-year anniversary of the groundbreaking for Toyota Mississippi.
 
Sean Suggs, vice president of manufacturing for Toyota Mississippi, said this is an opportunity to tell the story of the quality work Mississippi team members put forth daily.

“This investment will allow us to build an interactive visitor and training center that will spotlight the Corolla’s rise to the best-selling car in the world, as well as delve into the history of Toyota and our Blue Springs facility. It represents a continued commitment to our team members and the Northeast Mississippi community.”
 
During guided group plant tours, guests will see the Toyota Production System at work. Construction on the 15,000 square foot visitor and interactive training center is expected to begin late 2018 with a targeted completion date in mid-2019.
 
Visitors, however, won’t have to wait long to tour the plant. Toyota Mississippi will begin offering plant tours on May 1. One hour tours are available Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m., with each tour able to accommodate 12 people. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 662-317-3002 or emailing tourms@toyota.com.
 
Team member Bethanie Humphries hopes tour-goers will gain an appreciation for the plant and what it means to the community. A native of northeast Mississippi, she moved away after college and worked for another automaker. “When I heard Toyota was building a plant in Blue Springs, I jumped at the chance [to] work for an industry leader and move closer to family with my daughter.  Nine years later, I can tell you, we all have a sense of pride when we tell people, ‘I work for Toyota Mississippi.’”

Toyota Mississippi President Akitoshi Ichino said continued investment in the plant is a testament to the dedication of team members. “They are proud to produce high-quality vehicles, safely, every day. It’s their hard work that keeps our plant competitive.”
 
Ground was broken on the 1,700-acre Northeast Mississippi site in April 2007. Later this year, the 1-millionth Corolla will roll off the line at the 2-million square foot facility.