20/05/2003

Toyota increases UK production creating 1000 jobs

Toyota has announced that it will increase production at Burnaston in Derbyshire creating nearly 1,000 new jobs.

The introduction of a three-shift system in the second quarter of 2004, will see an influx of jobs - recruitment for which is planned for mid-2003.

It will be the first time in Toyota’s history that a third shift is operated in a vehicle manufacturing plant and the move will boost annual production volume of the latest model of Avensis and Corolla at Burnaston from 220,000 to around 270,000 vehicles per year.

Bryan Jackson, Deputy Managing Director of Toyota Manufacturing UK, said: "The increase of production in the UK represents a further endorsement of the commitment of our members to building quality vehicles for our customers in Europe and later this year in Japan.

"The move to three shifts next year will enable us to offer 1,000 new career opportunities for the region and industry as we look to recruit people who will help us to produce vehicles to support Toyota’s continued European growth."

The move will increase the record £1.7 billion already invested by Toyota Motor Corporation into its UK manufacturing operations over the past decade. Since the start of production in 1992 Toyota has built over 1.3 million vehicles at Burnaston and over 1.1 million engines at its engine plant at Deeside in North Wales. Currently employing 4,600 people Toyota’s UK plants are rated as among the most efficient production plants in Europe.

The new Avensis, recently rated as the safest car ever, recording the highest ever score for safety by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), will become the first European built Toyota to be exported to Japan later this year.

Hiring for the new positions will take place over a six to eight month period commencing in mid 2003. Vacancy details will be outlined in recruitment advertising in the local and regional press.

Toyota has also announced plans to increase production at its Yaris manufacturing plant at Valenciennes, France by introducing a third shift in the second quarter 2004.

This will boost annual production of the Yaris from 184,000 to 210,000 vehicles per year creating 500 new jobs.

(SP)

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