Toyota Technical Center (Photo: Toyota)

MICHIGAN — Toyota  is planning yet another expansion of its Southeast Michigan R&D campuses.

This marks the third time in just over a year that Toyota has announced plans to increase employment and investment in Michigan. Today’s announcement features a total investment of $126 million for the expansion of Toyota’s powertrain operations at its Ann Arbor campus and the consolidation of vehicle development operations at a new facility on its York Township campus.

Both vehicle development and powertrain functions will become centralized in Michigan, increasing their scope, responsibility and decision-making ability while providing improved communication and access to the company’s direct procurement division.

Approximately 85 jobs will relocate to Michigan from California by the end of 2016 as a part of the move.

“Toyotas expansion in the Ann Arbor region is a clear indicator that we offer the perfect infrastructure, talented workforce and support for a growing business,” said Paul Krutko President and CEO, Ann Arbor SPARK. “Toyota could locate its North American powertrain operations anywher but chose Ann Arbor; the companys investment and the jobs it will create are a continuing win for our economy.”

In April 2014, Toyota announced that it would establish new headquarters in North Dallas (Plano), Texas for its North American operations as part of a series of moves designed to better serve customers and position the company for sustainable, long-term growth.

This strategy includes establishing a new North American headquarters in Plano, Texas; expanding the Toyota Technical Center facilities in Southeast Michigan to accommodate increased investment in its engineering and product development capabilities; and opening a production engineering facility at Toyota’s largest U.S. manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Ky.

The new facilities are expected to be completed by 2017.

SOURCE Toyota