Toyota Grows

VINCENNES, IND. (WTHI) -      One of southern Indiana's largest employers is hiring again.

     Toyota in Princeton already has 4,100 full time workers, with plans to add another 240 before November and 160 more next year.

     The anticipated expansion is being welcomed by neighboring communities

     Toyota is carrying out a $400-million expansion at its plant in Princeton.

     The company is adding a Highlander Hybrid line and also adding vehicles for the export market.

     Toyota has begun the hiring of people to build those vehicles and the expansion is expected to have both a direct and indirect impact on Princeton and nearby communities.

     "It's always good news," said Marc McNeece with the Knox County Chamber of Commerce.  "If Toyota is doing good then it means Knox County is going to be doing good."

     While some of the new Toyota workers may live in Knox County, hundreds more are working in supplier plants.

     Toyota has really changed the jobs landscape in southern Indiana since they opened a little more than a dozen years ago.

  Now they are one of the largest employers in southern Indiana and their suppliers like FIA are some of the biggest employers in their individual counties.

     "That means good stuff for Knox County and even the surrounding area," said McNeece.  "When you see them expand it obviously means more job security for our people and possible expansion down the line for them."

     Growth that is expected to add jobs and some more economic security in southern Indiana.

   Toyota is hiring some new skilled maintenance employees with the production workers coming from the variable workforce provided by Aerotek.

     Aerotek is in the process of filling the openings now created for variable employees.
   
     Applicants interested in Aerotek production positions can apply at www.aerotekin.com.

  Skilled maintenance positions can be viewed at www.toyota.com/jobs.