Toyota to invest over $55 million to expand vehicle and parts center in Toa Baja
The project will add 30,000 square feet, modernize operations and incorporate new technology at the facility that processes more than 35,000 vehicles a year for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
File photoThe short version
- WAPA reported that Toyota de Puerto Rico announced an investment of more than $55 million to expand and update its Vehicle and Parts Distribution Center in Toa Baja
- The center, opened in 2008 with an initial $43 million investment, currently has about 100,000 square feet and holds nearly 400,000 parts and accessories in inventory
- Sin Comillas reported the expansion will reach 300,000 square feet total, be built in phases and be completed in 2031, serving 24 Toyota dealers in Puerto Rico
- The project will expand parts storage by 30,000 square feet, modernize vehicle receipt and dispatch areas, add inventory technology and strengthen safety standards
Major investment in logistics
Toyota de Puerto Rico announced on Tuesday, Oct. 20 a new investment of more than $55 million to expand and modernize its Vehicle and Parts Distribution Center in Toa Baja. WAPA reported the project is one of the largest the company has made in Puerto Rico in recent years. The center, which serves Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, receives, inspects, processes and prepares more than 35,000 new vehicles annually from Toyota factories worldwide and distributes nearly 400,000 parts and accessories.
According to Sin Comillas, the facility was inaugurated on Aug. 13, 2008 with an initial investment of $43 million. The expansion will increase the center to 300,000 square feet. Construction will occur in phases and is expected to be completed in 2031. The center supports 24 Toyota dealers in Puerto Rico.
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What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
Esta inversión representa mucho más que una ampliación de infraestructura. Reafirma la confianza que Toyota ha depositado en Puerto Rico por generaciones y nuestro compromiso con el futuro de la Isla.
Our translation: This investment represents much more than an infrastructure expansion. It reaffirms the confidence that Toyota has placed in Puerto Rico for generations and our commitment to the future of the Island.
The source's own statement, as quoted by WAPA. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Puerto Rico ocupa una posición estratégica dentro de la organización Toyota. Esta inversión responde a una visión a largo plazo y reafirma nuestra determinación de continuar fortaleciendo una operación que ha sido fundamental para el éxito de Toyota en la región.
Our translation: Puerto Rico occupies a strategic position within the Toyota organization. This investment responds to a long-term vision and reaffirms our determination to continue strengthening an operation that has been fundamental to Toyota's success in the region.
The source's own statement, as quoted by Sin Comillas. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Project details and goals
The investment will add approximately 30,000 square feet to the parts distribution area, modernize vehicle receipt and dispatch zones, incorporate new technologies for inventory management and control, and strengthen operational and safety infrastructure to meet global Toyota standards. WAPA reported that the current facility has about 100,000 square feet of operational space.
Nancy Navales, vice president of Toyota de Puerto Rico and executive in charge of the project, said the initiative will expand capacity, optimize receipt, inventory and dispatch flows, reinforce security and incorporate technology to improve visibility and operational control. She added that the project will redesign processes and strengthen safety standards to increase efficiency, reduce response times and support growth for the coming decades. Sin Comillas reported her statements.
Where the sources differ
Both WAPA and Sin Comillas agree on the $55 million investment amount, the Toa Baja location, the 2008 opening with a $43 million initial outlay, the annual processing of more than 35,000 vehicles and the storage of nearly 400,000 parts. WAPA states the current facility has approximately 100,000 square feet and that the expansion adds 30,000 square feet to the parts area. Sin Comillas reports the center will reach 300,000 square feet total upon completion in 2031 and that it serves 24 dealers. Both outlets quote Jaycie Dane and Nancy Navales with nearly identical statements; Sin Comillas additionally quotes Kathy Joyce of Toyota Motor North America.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not specify the exact total cost beyond "more than $55 million," the number of new jobs the project may create, the precise breakdown of spending between construction, technology and equipment, or whether any public incentives or permits are involved. They also do not detail the current or projected employment at the center or the value of parts distributed annually.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Official Toyota invierte millones para transformar su Centro de Distribución en Toa Baja
- Reporting Toyota invierte millones para transformar su Centro de Distribución en Toa Baja
- Reporting Toyota invierte $55 millones en la expansión de su centro de distribución en Toa Baja
How we checked this
WAPA and Sin Comillas both covered Toyota de Puerto Rico's announcement of the investment and quoted company executives Jaycie Dane and Nancy Navales. Sin Comillas alone included the 300,000-square-foot final size, the 2031 completion target, the number of dealers served and the quote from Kathy Joyce of Toyota Motor North America. Officials attending the event were listed only by WAPA.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.