When Chris Reynolds, Chief Administrative Officer, Manufacturing & Corporate Resources for Toyota Motor North America, visited Toyota Bodine in the Airport Industrial Park, Wednesday, the discussion led with the big picture for Toyota – car sales and the threats from potential tariffs.
But Reynolds brought it down to the grassroots level with one subject – skilled labor.
“We need skilled workers,” Reynolds said, “By that, I mean, we have these machines that make parts for our vehicles, and we need skilled workers to both maintain those machines and run those machines.
“We’re like many other employers in the U.S., but I’m talking right here in Jackson – there’s a shortage of skilled workers, so the message I would like to get out … even if you don’t have those skills, there are places you can go in the state of Tennessee to get them.”
Namely, Jackson State Community College and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology with an assist from Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Re-Connect.
“Tennessee Promise, if you are a high school student, you can graduate and then access technology college and learn skills that will make you employable by Toyota … free,” Reynolds said, “Then, even if you aren’t a high school student, and work in some other context, there’s a program called Tennessee Re-Connect that allows you to take your skills … go to some place like Jackson State Community College or the Tennessee College of Applied Technology – get the training – and you can be employed by Toyota.”
Toyota Bodine produces the engine blocks for all of the Toyota and Lexus vehicles built in North America.
The company also produces transmission cases and housings.
The company announced a $50.1 million investment, which will add 15 percent – or an additional 65,000-square-feet to the plant’s existing facility at 301 James Lawrence Road, in March.
“There is opportunity to be hired at Toyota at Bodine Jackson – if you have the kind of skills we need – if you don’t you can get trained to get those skills and you will have a job,” Reynolds said, “The need for skilled workers is not unique to Toyota, but since I work for Toyota, I’m pitching Toyota.”
(PHOTO: Chris Reynolds)
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