Gov. Beshear: Toyota Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Operations in Georgetown With Announcement of $800 Million Investment in Kentucky

Company also donating $4.4 million to support workforce development efforts in the commonwealth

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 23, 2026) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials and leaders from Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK) to celebrate 40 years of manufacturing in the commonwealth by announcing an $800 million investment to prepare the plant for its second battery electric vehicle. In addition to the investment, Toyota will donate a combined total of $4.4 million to Fayette and Scott County Schools and Eastern Kentucky University to help advance the next generation workforce and U.S. manufacturing.

"Kentucky changed for the better 40 years ago when Toyota chose to make Georgetown its New Kentucky Home, and I am proud to say that partnership remains strong with the company's investment of $800 million at this site and the additional $4.4 million going toward our future workforce," said Gov. Beshear. "Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky is Toyota's largest vehicle manufacturing plant in the world, producing over 15 million vehicles since its doors opened and benefiting Kentuckians through good jobs and a strong economy. Today, we're building on that success to ensure the future remains bright for this company and our commonwealth."

The announcement is part of Toyota's November 2025 commitment to invest up to $10 billion in U.S. manufacturing over the next five years. The $800 million investment into the TMMK plant will further Toyota's multipathway approach to electrification by preparing the plant for its second battery electric vehicle. The investment also allows the plant to increase production capacity of the Camry and RAV4.

Today's celebration and announcement come on the heels of a $1.3 billion investment made in February 2024, which last month was revealed to support the company's all-new 2027 electric Highlander.

"At Toyota, manufacturing has always been about more than building vehicles, it's about investing in people and our communities," said Kerry Creech, president of Toyota Kentucky. "For 40 years, we've been proud to call Kentucky home. That pride comes from our incredible team members - and from the strong partnerships we've built across this great state. Together, they're the reason we've succeeded and continue to grow."

Gov. Beshear encouraged Toyota's continued investment and job creation in Kentucky as part of an economic development trip to Japan and South Korea in July 2024. During the visit, he met with company leaders to discuss active and prospective projects and promoted the commonwealth's strengths in supporting the continued growth of international companies.

This investment adds to the Georgetown operation's history of groundbreaking technology and production. In 2006, TMMK was Toyota's first plant in the United States to manufacture hybrid electric vehicles and later was selected to assemble fuel cell modules for use in hydrogen-powered, heavy-duty commercial trucks. The plant also plays a critical role in Toyota's global electrification strategy, with an aggressive goal to offer electric or hybrid versions of every vehicle model by 2025.

TMMK is Toyota's largest production facility globally and currently employs approximately 10,000 team members. Opened in 1988, more than 15 million vehicles have rolled off TMMK's assembly lines, including the Camry, America's best-selling sedan for 23 consecutive years. Current production capacity is approximately 550,000 vehicles and 600,000 engines annually, with more than 350 suppliers nationwide - including over 100 in Kentucky.

Toyota is also committed to investing in its operational communities, primarily focusing on education and workforce development. Since making Kentucky home nearly four decades ago, more than $154 million in local donations continue to make sizeable impacts in the Bluegrass State.

Scott County Judge/Executive Joe Pat Covington spoke on the company's longstanding role as a strong corporate partner: "Today we proudly celebrate the 40th anniversary of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, a milestone that reflects not only decades of manufacturing excellence, but a lasting commitment to Scott County, our region and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. For 40 years, Toyota has been a driving force behind transformational economic development, creating high-quality careers, expanding opportunities for our workforce, and strengthening our local and state economies. Toyota has proven to be far more than an employer; it has been a premier corporate partner, investing in our people, supporting our schools, and standing alongside our community in times of growth and challenge alike. On behalf of Scott County Fiscal Court, I extend our deepest gratitude for Toyota's enduring partnership and look forward to many more years of shared success."

Georgetown Mayor Burney Jenkins welcomed Toyota's continued growth in the community: "The city of Georgetown is thrilled to celebrate four decades of Toyota's presence and impact in our community. Year over year, TMMK exhibits continued and increased investment, commitment and passion for Georgetown, Scott County and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I am thankful for the historic focus TMMK has placed on partnership with local government and look forward to what the next 40 years hold for this relationship."

Jack Conner, executive director of Scott County United, noted the company's strong presence in the community: "In keeping with the 40^th year of Toyota's location to Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky, we are extremely pleased to participate in this monumental anniversary, knowing full well that they will continue to be the quality company that they are for our community and the commonwealth."

Toyota's investment and job creation furthers what has been the best six-year period for economic growth in state history.

Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,300 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $45 billion in announced investments, creating more than 69,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth's history and $24 billion more than the next highest total.

Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the battery capital of the United States: AESC's $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Ford Motor Co.'s $2 billion, 2,200-job commitment in Louisville, as well as its $2 billion, 2,100-job project at the Kentucky 1 plant in Hardin County; Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing's $712 million investment, creating 1,572 jobs in Shelby County; and Toyota's $1.3 billion investment in Scott County, among others.

The Governor's administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund. In 2023, Kentucky recorded over 2 million jobs filled for the first time ever and has stayed above that number ever since.

Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody's Investors Service.

Earlier this year, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky in the top five nationally and second in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its 2024 Governor's Cup rankings. Site Selection also placed Kentucky second in the South Central region and No. 6 nationally in its 2025 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.

Gov. Beshear also announced a new initiative, called New Kentucky Home, to increase economic investment, attain and attract talent, and increase tourism across the state.

For more information on Toyota, visit Toyota.com.

A detailed community profile for Scott County can be viewed here.

Information on Kentucky's economic development efforts and programs is available at NewKentuckyHome.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.

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