Toyota to invest £240 million at Derbyshire plant

The company said the investment at the Burnaston site will improve its competitiveness. Starting this year, the plant will be progressively upgraded with new equipment, technology and systems to enable the production of vehicles on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform.

Announcing the investment, Dr Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, said: “We are very focused on securing the global competitiveness of our European plants. The roll-out of TNGA manufacturing capability is part of this plan. This upgrade of TMUK is a sign of confidence in our employees and suppliers and their focus on superior quality and greater efficiency. We welcome the UK Government funding contribution for this activity.”

"Our investment demonstrates that, as a company, we are doing all we can to raise the competitiveness of our Burnaston plant in Derbyshire. Continued tariff-and-barrier free market access between the UK and Europe that is predictable and uncomplicated will be vital for future success".

And reacting to the announcement, Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, said: “This is quite a significant investment in Toyota’s UK manufacturing capability and will give reassurance to workers at Burnaston, in the local supply chain and at the firm’s engine plant at Deeside.

“While Toyota, like many inward investor businesses, has said it will consider all its options as a result of the Brexit process if unable to continue to trade freely with Europe after Britain finally leaves the EU, we still see this as a very positive announcement.”