Page 2 - CambridgeLookingBackNeat

CAMBRIDGE: LOOKING BACK

Toyota a driving force

in Cambridge

PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY WATERLOO RECORD

As dignitaries gathered for the ground-breaking Former Cambridge MP
ceremony of Toyota Motor Corporation’s much Chris Speyer, quoted in an
article in the Dec. 12, 1985,
anticipated Cambridge assembly plant on May 6, edition of the Cambridge
1986, the Waterloo Record later reported that four Reporter announcing the
windsocks painted to look like fish hung outside news, said there were
the tent where officials had gathered. incentives in the contract
to encourage Toyota to buy
Canadian parts and that
the provincial government
would contribute $15
million over five years
toward a program to train Ontario workers.
“I’m extraordinarily proud of our community that Toyota would
choose us to locate such a major enterprise. This is the happiest
day of my political career,” he told the Reporter, before describing
the “tremendous positive impact” the plant would have on the
local economy, noting the average salaries at that time would
range from between $25,000 to $30,000.
“Just think of what that means to housing our area, to shopping
and small business as well as the spin-off effect by other industries
Called ‘koinobori’ or carp streamer, Toyota Motor Corporation’s locating within our area in order to service Toyota,” said Speyer.
late president Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda explained the significance of
the gesture, noting the fish is known as one that fights its way, The Cambridge plant was expected, in the beginning, to produce
even up a waterfall. 50,000 cars a year with the capacity to reach 100,000 when market
conditions permitted, providing work for 1,000 employees. In a
“The carp streamer is used as a symbol of vitality for parents who Reporter article published a year before the plant opened, it was
wish good health and strong development for their children,” reported that a progress report indicated it would provide 1,000
he was quoted at the time. “We have hoisted the koinobori here direct manufacturing jobs that would result in another 2,000 new
in the hope that our company will grow to become a business jobs in the automotive and service industry.
appreciated and respected by everyone as a whole.” To date, TMMC now employs more than 8,500 people across its
Nearly 40 years later, it’s clear this ‘hope’ for success has manifested three production lines in Cambridge and Woodstock. In Cambridge
as Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC) continues to alone, its North and South plants encompass three million square
be a major industry and economic leader, and community partner feet on 400 acres located at the corner of Maple Grove Road and
for Cambridge and southwestern Ontario as a whole. Fountain Street North.
From the moment the first Corolla rolled off the assembly line The company, which has won numerous awards recognizing it
at its Cambridge facility shortly before 10 a.m. on Nov. 30, 1988, as a ‘top employer’ and ‘greenest employer’, continues to thrive
the company has continually succeeded creating hundreds of new and evolve. In August of last year, it marked a special anniversary
jobs over the years through the expansion of new product lines. when a red Lexus NX 350h hybrid electric luxury SUV, rolled off the
Cambridge was selected from over 40 municipalities in Canada for line in Cambridge representing the 10th million vehicle produced
the plant and federal government incentives were a consideration. by TMMC.

2 Summer 2023 www.cambridgechamber.com