The Georgia Department of Economic Development has named Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing Inc. the first-ever winner of its Automotive Supplier of the Year Award.
The Georgia Automotive Awards recognize companies and individuals throughout the state for their contributions to build the state’s automotive ecosystem in five categories: Company of the Year, Leader of the Year, Innovation Award, Supplier of the Year and Community Impact Award.
“Georgia is a key market for Toyo Tires and our work here is paramount to the overall success of our organization,” said Jim Hawk, Toyo Tires’ chairman. “The robust automotive industry and network in the state, combined with business-friendly tax incentives and an overall low cost of doing business, make Georgia an ideal location for Toyo Tires to continue on its growth path. This honor further validates the great things Toyo Tires is doing, and we sincerely appreciate the committee’s consideration.”
The tiremaker was awarded the Automotive Supplier of the Year Award for its growth and contributions to the state’s economic development efforts, Toyo said.
Toyo has more than doubled the size of its facility in White, Ga., since its groundbreaking in 2004 and increased its staff from 81 employees to 1,180. The facility’s fourth expansion is scheduled to be complete in 2017, bringing the manufacturing space to 3 million square feet and increasing annual production to 9 million tires.
According to Bartow County Commissioner Steve Taylor, the expansion will boost Toyo’s local investment to more than $1 billion.
