The Magnolia State has been a key player in the automobile manufacturing industry since Nissan established its 5 million-square-foot assembly plant in Canton in 2003. Nissan has invested significantly in the facility since its opening, and now, the company is gearing up to begin production of electric vehicles at the plant. In 2022, the automotive giant announced it was investing $500 million to partially convert the plant to begin production of two all-new, all-electric vehicles – positioning Mississippi to welcome more EV manufacturers to shovel-ready sites throughout the state.
Since the opening of Nissan Canton nearly 20 years ago, other industry- leading automotive companies have established operations in the state. Toyota and PACCAR have locations in Mississippi, along with a host of automobile suppliers. Mississippi also is home to three of the nation’s largest tire makers, Continental Tire, Yokohama Tire and Cooper Tire.
Over half a million vehicles are produced in-state annually, including nine globally recognized models. Mississippi is also a right-to-work state, with a low cost of living and other incentives available for manufacturers.
More than 200 employers in the auto industry employ more than 15,000 Mighty Mississippians. Pair that with Mississippi State University’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, University of Mississippi’s Haley Barbour Center for Manufacturing Excellence and several technical colleges that offer customized training to meet companies’ needs, and you have a winning combination for advanced automobile manufacturing.
Toyota Mississippi, Toyota’s 10th U.S. plant located in Blue Springs, assembles the Corolla. The facility is the North American model for promoting sustainable environmental performance. Since opening in 2011, Toyota Mississippi and its Mississippi-based suppliers have created nearly 4,000 jobs and invested over $1.3 billion in the state’s economy. In 2022 alone, the Northeast Mississippi auto-manufacturer produced over 130,000 vehicles and since inception 1.8 million Corollas!
The plant currently employs 2,400 team members and recently opened its Experience Center—a 15,000 square-foot facility with an interactive museum providing guests the opportunity to be immersed in the world of Toyota manufacturing through innovative content, multimedia and engaging simulations. For more information on Toyota Mississippi or to book a tour, go to www.tourtoyota.com.
Elwood, founded in 1980, is a leading provider of talent-based solutions and actionable workforce intelligence. With offices that span the United States, a broad service portfolio, and a seasoned staff, we support companies through the entire employment life cycle – from attraction to retention. The recent addition of NAOS to the Elwood Staffing family of brands further advances Elwood’s on-site staffing delivery capabilities and bolsters the company’s already strong service footprint in the South. Visit ElwoodStaffing.com to learn more.