[urbanscraper]

Davidson Couple Approached by Toyota About Selling Land

http://www.myfoxwghp.com/myfox/photo_servlet?contentId=1965364&version=1&locale=EN-US&subtype=MIMG&siteId=1009&isP16=true

Toyota in Davidson County?

By ANGELA RODRIGUEZ
FOX8 News

DAVIDSON COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) -- A major auto manufacturer has approached a couple in Davidson County about buying land on which to build a new production plant.

Ellie and Laverne Allen said Thursday that Toyota is interested in buying their property. "We don't know what it's going to be," said Ellie, "but they've approached us about buying land from us."

The Wall Street Journal has reported that Japanese automaker Toyota is considering several sites for its eighth manufacturing plant. The Greensboro area in North Carolina, Chattanooga, Tenn., Alamo, Tenn., and Marion, Ark., have been named as possible locations.

The Davidson County property in question is a prime site for development, located close to the interstate, railway and airport. The land has been privately owned since 1763, but the Allens said they would be willing to sell.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the plant could produce 200,000 vehicles per year, including the next-generation Highlander SUV. The paper also reported Toyota could announce its decision later in January.

Residents of Lexington have been keeping tabs on the rumors and are hopeful Toyota decides to locate in their county. "I think there's truth to it," said Tina Brogdon. "There's been a lot of looking at land, lots of meetings. I hope we get it."

Despite the Allen's connection to the property, the couple is taking everything in stride. "I've been on this land all my life," said Ellie," It'll be an adjustment."

I hope we get it. we lost out to South Carolina for BMW and Alabama for Mercedes because of a bidding war. At that time BMW and Mercedes were looking a site in Mebane NC, which is on the Triad/Triangle border.

Im also waiting on the announcement that Honda will build its jet manufacturing facilty at PTI in Greensboro.

[urbanscraper]

opps sorry....can this be moved to the Economic and Industrial Developments in the Southern States thread?

[austin356]

They should build it in the GO (Gulf Opportunity) Zone, where labor cost, in the long term, would be significantly lower than the triad.

But, that is just my opinion. I know Toyota will do exactly what they think will benefit them the most in the long term, and am glad they are building in the south.

[vjsmith]

so Ellie and Laverne

Are you the Allens that own property on Stokes Rd

Where do you live/own property in Davidson county and how many acres do you have to sell?

[MattSal]

This would certainly be great news for the Triad.

Never heard of Alamo, TN or Marion, AR.

[James Bond Agent 007]

I'm wondering if this is the "auto plant" the rumor was about, although this is a different county than the rumor suggested:

http://triad.bizjournals.com/triad/stories/2007/01/15/daily29.html?surround=lfn

Toyota Racing to proceed with Rowan plant
The Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area - 2:24 PM EST Thursday

Toyota Racing Development plans to buy 89 acres near Salisbury to build a NASCAR-support facility.

The California-based company initially will invest $22 million in the plant, which will have 40 to 50 employees when completed.

The company, which operates facilities in High Point and Mooresville, made the announcement Wednesday after Rowan County Commissioners voted to grant $519,000 in incentives over five years.

Salisbury has agreed to extend sewer lines to the company, which will cost the city about $100,000.

Toyota Racing will build a 30,000- to 35,000-square-foot engineering facility that will include chassis manufacturing.

Pending final planning, construction is expected to begin this year, with completion targeted for late 2008.

"We expect to finalize the purchase within the next 30 days," says Jim Aust, president. "When it comes to NASCAR, we wanted a location accessible to all our teams, and the Rowan County property provides the best opportunity."

[HSVTiger]

newspaper report Saturday says Chattanooga is one of two finalists for a new Toyota plant.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette said the finalists are the Enterprise South site and a location near Marion, Ark.

The plant is expected to employ up to 2,500 workers.

The report says Arkansas is the only state in the South without a major auto plant, and that might give it an edge.

It says former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has been hinting about a big announcement that is imminent.

Mayor Ron Littlefield told the Civitan Club on Friday that a huge economic announcement for Chattanooga could come soon - perhaps within days.

He said, "We are on the short, short, short list. We have never been this far down the path before."

He declined to say which industrial prospect he was referring to, but recent reports say Chattanooga is a finalist for a Toyota plant.

Mayor Littlefield said Chattanooga is now the only city in Tennessee in running for the industrial prospect. And he said Georgia and Alabama are working along with Tennessee in the city's behalf since Chattanooga borders those states.

He said the state of Tennessee "has been a strong advocate. They have literally sat down their satchel and offered everything we can think of."

He said local officials have "submitted everything we could" to the company. "They have all the figures and they are mulling over them."

He said, "We feel very good about our chances, but we are not getting out the ribbons and balloons yet."

Mayor Littlefield told the club, "Claude (Ramsey) and I will be very disappointed" if Chattanooga is not selected, but we will get up and continue on."

He said a "steady stream of prospects" are interested in the Enterprise South Industrial Park.

[urbanscraper]

I'm wondering if this is the "auto plant" the rumor was about, although this is a different county than the rumor suggested:

http://triad.bizjournals.com/triad/stories/2007/01/15/daily29.html?surround=lfn

Toyota Racing to proceed with Rowan plant
The Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area - 2:24 PM EST Thursday

Toyota Racing Development plans to buy 89 acres near Salisbury to build a NASCAR-support facility.

The California-based company initially will invest $22 million in the plant, which will have 40 to 50 employees when completed.

The company, which operates facilities in High Point and Mooresville, made the announcement Wednesday after Rowan County Commissioners voted to grant $519,000 in incentives over five years.

Salisbury has agreed to extend sewer lines to the company, which will cost the city about $100,000.

Toyota Racing will build a 30,000- to 35,000-square-foot engineering facility that will include chassis manufacturing.

Pending final planning, construction is expected to begin this year, with completion targeted for late 2008.

"We expect to finalize the purchase within the next 30 days," says Jim Aust, president. "When it comes to NASCAR, we wanted a location accessible to all our teams, and the Rowan County property provides the best opportunity."

nope thats a different project. Once dead give away is the fact that the the tract of land in Davidson County that Toyota was asking about far exceeds the acreage needed for a Toyota Racing engineering facility and matches the amount of land needed for a major automobile manufaturing plant. But it does reveal that Toyota is building strong ties to NC. Of all the states in the south, North Carolina has more Toyota suppliers so that would be a huge advantage for North Carolina.

[HSV79]

Well I am not 100% sure about this maybe like 70% that Chattanooga is the winner for this new plant(some inside info). Also the 2 expansions coming to TMMAL will be transmissions and possible hybrid engine.