Thirty Years of Almost Heaven: Toyota West Virginia Celebrates Three Decades in The Mountain State

BUFFALO, W.Va. (Sept. 24, 2026) - Toyota West Virginia is celebrating 30 years of manufacturing excellence, innovation, economic growth and powerful community impact.

"This is a time to celebrate our history and look toward our next chapter," said David Rosier, president of Toyota West Virginia. "Senator Jay Rockefeller, a driving force in bringing the facility to Putnam County, said during our groundbreaking ceremony that he believed our plant would grow. We have done just that. Our success is a direct result of our team members. Our future is bright because our team is smart, capable and determined. We are proud to say we are busier than ever."

Governor Patrick Morrisey joined team members and community leaders at the plant to commemorate the 30^th anniversary of its groundbreaking. During the event, Morrisey declared September 24 as "Toyota West Virginia Day."

"Thirty years ago, Toyota made a bet on West Virginia and our people, and that bet has paid off," Governor Morrisey said. "Today, this global automotive leader employs more than 2,000 West Virginians who are building some of the most advanced automotive technology in the world right here in Buffalo. Toyota has continued to invest, grow, and create opportunities in the Mountain State, and we're proud to celebrate 30 years of partnership and an even brighter future ahead."

Driven to Give Back
Over the past 30 years, Toyota has donated more than $11 million to local nonprofits and community organizations.

At Thursday's celebration, Toyota continued that legacy by presenting three local nonprofits with $30,000 donations, totaling $90,000. Awardees include:

• Golden Girl Group Home, a group home for teenage girls who have experienced abuse, neglect or loss of a guardian and cannot live in their natural home;
• Mission West Virginia's Bridge Program, which supports children in foster or kinship care as they graduate from high school and pursue skilled trades or attend technical school
• The Comeback Club of Putnam County, which provides training for adults re-entering the workforce

Toyota West Virginia assembles both engines and drivetrain components for Toyota's North American operations and is the only Toyota plant in North America that assembles hybrid transaxles. The plant represents a $3.3 billion investment and employs more than 2,000 people.

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