RANDOLPH COUNTY, N.C. — A jolt of energy towards Toyota, the company announced it has dramatically increased its investments into the mega site in Liberty. The move has some Triad residents both excited and concerned for the future.
Tuesday morning's announcement is 13 times larger than the company's original investment made back in 2021.
Two years ago, Toyota announced the creation of an electric vehicle battery plant in Liberty. Since then, its $1.29 billion investment increased to just under $14 billion.
Additionally, what was originally supposed to bring 1,750 jobs to the area is now ushering in more than 5,000.
The company's North Carolina president, Sean Suggs said during a press conference that the money will go to support eight additional battery production lines.
"Getting more lines tells us that again the company believes in us, in this in the state, but what we also have to do now is deliver. We have to deliver on what they've given us now. We believe we've got a really good strategic plan as I shared with you all earlier, our vision and mission we want to be the best in town," explained Suggs.
Suggs said the company is homed in on hiring a workforce who mostly lives in the area and surrounding areas.
While most people are excited about the creation of thousands of jobs, they worry Liberty does not have the roadways to support the influx to the area.
Alamance county resident, Don Hudnall thinks additional jobs are fantastic, but worries for the future.
"If you don't start with the infrastructure, you're going to be way behind the times," exclaimed Hudnall.
Liberty town manager, Scott Kidd said the town is aware of the infrastructure concerns and is in conversations with the NCDOT.
"There have been multiple conversations with NC DOT about crosswalks, timing of lights, as well as moving of STOP bars, all to help keep partitions safer on the roadway. These are ongoing conversations that will take time to study and implement as the area grows," Kidd explained within an email.
Toyota plans to produce and ship batteries by 2025, and projects the entire project with the new addition will be complete by 2030.