Toyota Boshoku America Celebrates Opening of First Smart Manufacturing Facility in Hopkinsville, Kentucky
Toyota Boshoku America, Inc. (TBA)—a leading global supplier of automotive components, interior systems, and cutting-edge mobility technologies—has officially opened the doors to its newest production facility in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Named Toyota Boshoku Western Kentucky (TBWK), the plant represents the company’s first-ever smart factory, marking a transformative milestone for both the organization and the region’s growing high-tech manufacturing landscape.
Spanning 354,340 square feet on a 48-acre site within Hopkinsville’s South Park Development, the facility began initial operations in late 2024. Its launch signals not only a major investment in Kentucky’s automotive corridor but also a strong commitment to innovation, digital manufacturing, environmental sustainability, and workforce development. With this expansion, Toyota Boshoku America aims to elevate its production capabilities while supporting the rapidly evolving demands of global automakers.
A Major Win for Kentucky’s Booming Automotive Ecosystem
The grand opening ceremony brought together key state and local leaders, community representatives, and executives from Toyota Boshoku America. Among the distinguished attendees was Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who emphasized the significance of the project for the state’s economy and its national standing in advanced manufacturing.
Governor Beshear praised the company for choosing Western Kentucky as the home for its next-generation manufacturing hub.
He remarked:
The future has never been brighter for our commonwealth, and investments like this from Toyota Boshoku are fueling our success while also creating great jobs for the people of Western Kentucky. This new facility marks an exciting step forward for the company and Kentucky as we continue to lead the way in both automotive and advanced manufacturing.”
The project aligns with Kentucky’s broader economic development strategy, which includes attracting high-tech manufacturers, expanding training pathways, and supporting the transition toward electric and intelligent vehicle technologies. Toyota Boshoku’s longstanding presence in the state—along with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK)—creates a powerful synergy that continues to boost supplier networks and skilled job creation across the region.
Introducing the Company’s First Smart Plant
The Hopkinsville facility holds special importance for Toyota Boshoku because it becomes the company’s first officially designated “smart plant.” This label reflects an operational model built on:
- Digital manufacturing systems that enable real-time monitoring
- Automation and robotics to increase precision and efficiency
- IoT-powered quality controls that reduce defects and optimize output
- Predictive maintenance to prevent downtime
- Energy-efficient operational design to lower environmental impact
Inside the plant, advanced production lines are engineered to manufacture seat frame mechanism components, including:
- Seat tracks
- Seat recliners
- Motors and geared assemblies
These components are essential to modern vehicle safety and comfort systems, creating tremendous responsibility for the plant’s engineering and quality teams.
By establishing a smart plant, Toyota Boshoku aims to achieve higher reliability, flexible manufacturing capabilities, improved safety standards, and streamlined data-driven decision-making. The company views this model as the blueprint for future facilities worldwide.
Executive Leadership Highlights Innovation and Community Partnership
During the ceremony, Toyota Boshoku America leaders emphasized that the new plant is about more than physical infrastructure—it is a cultural and strategic commitment to long-term growth in Kentucky.
Shunichi Iwamori, President & CEO of Toyota Boshoku America, expressed the company’s vision for the new site:
Today’s opening marks more than a new manufacturing facility—it reflects our commitment to innovation, resilience, and long-term growth. Just as importantly, it strengthens our partnership with this community, where we are dedicated to creating opportunities and contributing to shared prosperity.
Iwamori’s statement echoed Toyota Boshoku’s guiding principles of continuous improvement, collaborative teamwork, and creating a sustainable future for employees and their families.
Yoshiyuki Ando, President of Toyota Boshoku Western Kentucky, further expanded on the plant’s mission:
At Toyota Boshoku Western Kentucky, innovation and sustainability will be at the heart of what we do. We’re not just developing solutions for today — we’re building a better future for our community and the world around us. Our commitment to progress goes hand-in-hand with our responsibility to operate ethically, sustainably, and in partnership with the people we serve.”
The leaders highlighted key priorities for the new site, including environmental stewardship, advanced workforce training, and strong community engagement through education, local partnerships, and job creation.
Strengthening Toyota Boshoku’s North American Footprin
The opening of the Hopkinsville plant further reinforces Toyota Boshoku’s strategic growth in North America. Headquartered in Erlanger, Kentucky, Toyota Boshoku America already maintains a robust presence across the continent. The company has:
- 23 locations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina
- More than 14,000 team members supporting production, engineering, logistics, and R&D
- Long-standing partnerships with major automakers, including Toyota, Lexus, and other global brands
The addition of the TBWK facility enhances Toyota Boshoku’s ability to meet rising demand for precision-engineered seating components, particularly as OEMs continue launching new electrified, automated, and connected vehicle models.
North America remains one of the world’s most important automotive manufacturing regions, and Toyota Boshoku’s expansion supports its strategy to stay competitive, agile, and future-ready in a rapidly shifting industry. By situating its first smart plant in Kentucky, the company is signaling long-term confidence in the region’s workforce, logistics infrastructure, and manufacturing leadership.
Economic and Community Impact in Western Kentucky
Beyond its industrial significance, the TBWK facility is expected to play a major role in shaping economic growth in Hopkinsville and Christian County.
Key expected regional impacts include:
Job Creation
The plant is designed to support a growing workforce, with plans to add more jobs as production volumes scale. The focus on smart manufacturing also opens the door for advanced technical roles in areas such as robotics, automation maintenance, digital operations, and quality analytics.
Supply Chain Strengthening
Automotive suppliers in the region will benefit from new opportunities in logistics, material handling, tooling, and component supply.
Training and Skill Development
Toyota Boshoku is known for its investment in workforce development, including:
- Apprenticeships
- Technical training programs
- Partnerships with community colleges
- Leadership development pathways
These efforts help prepare local workers for high-paying careers in advanced manufacturing.
Long-Term Community Commitment
The company has historically supported local schools, community organizations, and philanthropic initiatives—and the Hopkinsville plant is expected to continue this legacy.
A Milestone That Sets the Stage for the Future
The grand opening of Toyota Boshoku Western Kentucky represents more than the launch of a new building—it symbolizes the company’s evolution into a new era of smart manufacturing and its unwavering commitment to the communities it serves.
As the automotive industry accelerates toward electrification, digitalization, and sustainable mobility, Toyota Boshoku’s new Hopkinsville facility stands as a forward-looking investment that will help meet the demands of the next generation of vehicles. It reinforces Kentucky’s position as an automotive powerhouse and provides new opportunities for workers and families across the region.
With its combination of advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and people-first values, the TBWK plant is poised to become a model of modern manufacturing excellence—not only for Toyota Boshoku but for the entire industry.
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