BUFFALO, W.Va. (WV News) — U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito traveled to Putnam County last week, visiting the Toyota Manufacturing Plant as well as other area businesses.
“Toyota has been a force in West Virginia, and operations in Buffalo are a source of pride for this community and our entire state,” Capito said. “I value the close relationship that we have maintained with leaders at Toyota over the years, and the progress they continue to make here in Putnam County.”
At the plant, Capito met with students in the 4T High School Work Program, which she said has been instrumental in connecting students with career opportunities in advanced manufacturing.
She also visited the plant’s solar arrays. The Buffalo plant was one of three Toyota facilities in the country selected in August 2020 to add solar power generation in an effort to reduce reliance on outside energy and reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
The plant uses five SmartFlower arrays to produce 2.6 megawatts of power. The devices reduce the plant’s carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 4 million pounds per year.
The arrays feature several panels which, when active, resemble a flower, with the “petals” folding up and out into a circle.
Utilizing advanced robotics and automation, the arrays track the movement of the sun in the sky, allowing the panels to maintain a 90-degree angle to more effectively capture the sun’s rays from sunrise to sunset.
When the sun is not in the sky, the petals fold in and down until the next day. The units are also self-cleaning; the petals are lined with tiny brushes that remove dirt and debris when they open and close.
“From increased renewable energy capabilities, efficient operations and their growing high school work program, I am continually impressed by (Toyota West Virginia’s) work,” Capito said. “I look forward to continuing to work with Toyota and leaders in the area towards our shared goal of increasing opportunities and available resources for West Virginians in the region.”
The plant has served as a significant economic driver in the region and the state for more than a quarter century. Toyota celebrated the plant’s 25th anniversary in September 2021.
As of that anniversary celebration, the plant had seen 11 expansions. In November 2021, Toyota committed a $240 million investment for a new production line as well as new equipment and operational upgrades to modernize the facility.
In February 2022, the company announced an additional $73 million, which was used to facilitate assembly of rear motor stators, a key component in electric motors.
In all, the plant represents a $2 billion investment in the region, employing approximately 2,000 team members under a nearly 2 million-square-foot facility.
The plant is Toyota’s only combined engine and transmission plant in North America and is the only manufacturing plant in North America to produce hybrid transaxles.
“We were delighted to welcome Sen. Capito back to Toyota West Virginia,” said David Rosier, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia. “We are proud to be a part of West Virginia’s business community. We are committed to the Mountain State’s continued growth and success. It was an honor to share just a few of the exciting initiatives we are working on at the plant and we certainly hope Sen. Capito visits again soon.”
Capito also visited Gritts Farms, a leader in tourism in Putnam County, to receive an update on operations and see the farm’s newest additions.
She also visited Belknap Dough Company, a local restaurant, where she had a working lunch with local leaders regarding recent successes and future development efforts in Putnam County.