Toyota Tsusho America Inc. (TAI), a member of the Toyota Group, has purchased a property in Winston-Salem’s Whitaker Park. This investment follows Toyota’s announcement of a record-setting battery manufacturing plant in Liberty, NC.

The Winston-Salem project is expected to generate 39 new jobs over five years, fostering further industrial growth and opportunities within the area. Toyota Tsusho worked with Greater Winston-Salem Inc. and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) to facilitate the location project. This development positions Winston-Salem to contribute meaningfully to the state’s growing battery manufacturing sector, anchored by Toyota’s landmark $14 billion investment in Liberty.

“Interest from companies in the electric battery sector is growing in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County,” says Mark Owens, President and CEO of Greater Winston-Salem Inc. “Toyota Tsusho’s investment in Whitaker Park highlights the region’s advantages and showcases the ripple effect we are seeing throughout the Carolina Core as a result of the Toyota battery project.” 

“Toyota Tsusho America’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth remains at the forefront of our mission as we strive to create a better future for us all,” says TAI spokesperson. Katie Williams. “We are excited to join Winston-Salem’s thriving industrial sector and look forward to sharing more about this project closer to our launch in late 2025.”

Toyota North Carolina’s battery manufacturing plant is set to become the largest economic development project in North Carolina’s history, with a $14 billion investment and the creation of over 5,100 jobs. The Liberty plant is expected to begin production in 2025. 

The Toyota Tsusho America project at Whitaker Park will further cement Winston-Salem’s position as a key area of growth in the state’s automotive and battery manufacturing sectors. 

“Toyota Tsusho America’s decision to invest here speaks volumes about our city’s competitive advantages and forward-looking vision. We are committed to fostering an environment that supports businesses and generates job opportunities for residents.” says Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines.

“We are excited to welcome Toyota Tsusho America to Forsyth County,” says Don Martin, Chair of the Forsyth County Commissioners. “This development not only brings good quality jobs and new investment to our area, but also connects us directly to the innovative work happening in this industry throughout the Carolina Core. We welcome the opportunities this project will bring.”