Toyota expands special ecozone in Laguna

Sta. Rosa, Laguna – Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) is set to intensify its efforts to develop the export capacity of the local auto parts industry through the expansion of its Toyota Special Economic Zone (TSEZ) here from 25 hectares to 77 hectares.

A signing ceremony at the Toyota (Sta. Rosa) Industrial Complex led by PEZA Director-General Lilia de Lima, TMP president Nobuharu Tabata, and TMP vice chairman Antonio Abacan Jr. was held to mark the granting of the special economic zone status to the entire facility at the Toyota (Sta. Rosa) Industrial Complex following the proclamation issued by President Arroyo for Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. Akira Okabe, managing officer of Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC), was also in town to grace this important event.

"The expansion reinforces our commitment to establish the Philippines as a major automotive operation base in Asia," Tabata said.

"In the Philippines’ exports of parts and components to the Toyota global network will reach an unprecedented level of more than $350 million this year," said Okabe, "thanks to the aggressive effort of the Toyota parts makers who are present here with us today." He encouraged the parts makers to increase localization and increase exports. "The Philippines is a key base for Toyota production not just in ASEAN but also globally," added Okabe.

The Toyota Sta. Rosa Industrial Complex facility is also currently the Philippine base of operations for such locator members of the Toyota group of suppliers such as Toyota Autoparts Philippines, Tokai Rika Phils. and Philippine HKR.