In 1972, anxious to bring its line of new pickups to the North American market, Toyota initiated a partnership with Atlas Fabricators, a metalwork factory in Long Beach, CA. This facility, which produces truck beds for vehicles exported from Japan, marked the start of Toyota Auto Body California, and thus, the beginning of the brand's foray into North America.
Executive Vice President and member of the Board of Toyota Motor Corp, Atsushi Niimi, explains, "The spirit of family is what makes TABC unique," said. "As our first manufacturing plant in the U.S., TABC's rich history represents Toyota's commitment to outstanding teamwork and continuous improvement."1
Currently, Toyota has invested more than $270 million in TABC. The North Long Beach plant, in particular employees 470 people and is the main supplier of parts for the Toyota Tacoma. Recently, the Long Beach plant celebrated its 40th anniversary. As stated, it's a small portion of TABC, which has had many successful years of manufacturing such products as catalytic converters, weld subassemblies, sheet metal components,and more for export to Japan and other Toyota North American manufacturing facilities in the U.S.
Today, Toyota employs more than 37,000 individuals in North America and holds 14 manufacturing plants in the same.
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Source: 1http://www.presstelegram.com/ci_21368365/toyota-celebrates-40th-anniversary-long-beach-auto-body
