Toyota commits £100m to Burnaston, creating 1,500 UK jobs
Japanese manufacturer confirms new investment in Derbyshire plant to build next-generation C-segment hatchbacks, with 1,500 jobs added and further supply chain funding.
Toyota Motor Corporation has confirmed a £100 million investment in its Burnaston vehicle plant in Derbyshire. This move secures existing roles and is set to create up to 1,500 new jobs as the company prepares to build the next generation of C-segment hatchbacks in the UK. The announcement brings Toyota’s total UK manufacturing investment to over £2.1 billion since Burnaston was established as its first European production centre in 1989.
Toyota's Major Investment in Burnaston
The new funding will be used for tooling and equipment at Burnaston to support production of future C-segment models. Recruitment for the first phase of 500 new roles is scheduled to begin in mid-2012. This investment is expected to provide a boost to both the local economy and the wider British car industry.
Support for the UK Supply Chain
In addition to the Burnaston plant investment, Toyota will commit a further £85 million to the UK supply chain. This funding is intended to support local suppliers and strengthen the domestic component network. The company has not yet disclosed which suppliers will benefit or the specific breakdown of supply contracts, but the investment is expected to help maintain and create jobs beyond Burnaston itself.
Impact on Employment and Local Economy
Toyota’s commitment means not only safeguarding current employment at Burnaston but also creating up to 1,500 additional positions over the next two years. Recruitment will be staged, with the first 500 jobs to be filled in the middle of next year. Existing roles at Burnaston are secured by this new investment, offering stability to the workforce and the local community.
Prime Minister David Cameron welcomed the decision, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in UK manufacturing and a tribute to the skills and professionalism of Toyota’s workforce. The investment is seen as a significant boost not just for the local economy but for the UK as a whole.
Toyota’s UK Manufacturing Strategy
Since opening in 1989, Burnaston has played a central role in Toyota’s European manufacturing strategy. The plant has previously produced models such as the Auris and Corolla for the European market. The latest investment follows Toyota’s approach of building core models close to major markets, a trend also seen with other manufacturers expanding or upgrading their UK production sites.
For comparison, Nissan and BMW have recently committed to new model production and investment at their Sunderland and Oxford plants respectively. These moves highlight the ongoing importance of the UK to global carmakers, even amid broader economic challenges.
Future Production Plans
The new C-segment hatchbacks are expected to enter production at Burnaston following the plant upgrades, although Toyota has not confirmed launch dates or provided detailed model information. The investment is intended to position Burnaston for the next generation of these vehicles, continuing its role as a key site for Toyota in Europe.
Toyota’s total UK investment since 1989 now exceeds £2.1 billion, reflecting a long-term commitment to British manufacturing. The company’s latest decision follows similar investments by competitors and underlines the significance of the UK car industry on the global stage.
Summary Table: Toyota's UK Investment at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total new investment | £100 million ($155 million) |
| Additional jobs created | Up to 1,500 over two years |
| First phase of recruitment | 500 jobs, mid-2012 |
| Total UK investment since 1989 | Over £2.1 billion |
| Additional supply chain investment | £85 million |
| Production focus | Next generation C-segment hatchbacks |
