Toyotas Cambridge, Ontario Plant Good Enough for Lexus

Canadians should be proud. The Passionate Pursuit of Perfection people have chosen the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC) Cambridge, Ontario plant to build the all-new second-generation RX 330, the first ever Lexus to be built outside of Japan.

On Friday, September 26, 2003, the first RX 330 rolled off the line at the completely updated facility, with all the fanfare of a Detroit auto show unveiling. Dignitaries from both sides of the Pacific were on hand, as well as top company officials, witnessing an event that was many years in the making.

"This

The first ever Lexus to be built outside of Japan, the RX 330, is now coming off the line in Cambridge, Ontario. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Toyotas total investment to upgrade the plant came to USD$500 million, money spent on a completely separate manufacturing area for Lexus. The facility,

With great fanfare, and dignitaries on hand from both sides of the Pacific, the first RX 330 rolls off the line. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Team members have been traveling back and forth between Cambridge and Kyushu, Japan, the previous RX 300 and current Japanese RX 330 plant, for more than three years, Canadian workers flying west to learn specific skill sets and adopt the high quality standards expected

"A Lexus frame of mind seeks perfection in every process, on every manufacturing line, and in every vehicle," commented TMMC President Ray Tanguay. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

"We found that a strong skill set is very important, but the key difference is the mindset," added Tanguay. "A Lexus frame of mind seeks perfection in every process, on every manufacturing line, and in every vehicle. Manufacturing Lexus demands a deep understanding of what customers want, expect and deserve in a luxury vehicle. We call it the relentless pursuit of perfection."

The fact that

"Our companys philosophy is to manufacture vehicles where they are sold," said Mr. Kawakami, a Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

On this subject Hiroshi Kawakami, a Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation, shared the Japanese companys confidence in its new production plant and team. "Our companys philosophy is to manufacture vehicles where they are sold," said Mr. Kawakami. "Since TMMC is one of the jewels in our crown overseas, beginning Lexus production here is certainly in keeping with that philosophy."

This sentiment was reiterated by Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America

"The RX 300 quickly became our best-selling Lexus when introduced five years ago, revolutionizing the way we perceive luxury vehicles." (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

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