Liberty, NC – Toyota’s multi-billion-dollar battery manufacturing plant in Liberty, North Carolina is entering a pivotal new stage as it shifts from construction to production—and with it, a transition in leadership. Don Stewart has been appointed to lead the facility as it ramps up operations and begins hiring thousands of workers.
The plant, located just outside Greensboro, represents one of Toyota’s most ambitious investments in the United States to date. Initially announced in 2021 with an estimated investment of $1.29 billion, the project has since grown dramatically to a projected $14 billion total investment. This expansion reflects Toyota’s strategic commitment to the electric vehicle (EV) market, as the company aims to scale production of EV batteries to meet rising global demand.
Under Stewart’s leadership, the Liberty facility will begin hiring approximately 2,000 employees during this first phase of production activity. At full buildout, the plant is expected to employ up to 5,000 workers, making it one of the largest employers in the region and a cornerstone of North Carolina’s growing clean energy economy.
The factory will produce advanced lithium-ion batteries for both hybrid and fully electric vehicles across Toyota’s lineup. The facility is also designed with scalability in mind, allowing for future technological upgrades and capacity increases as EV adoption accelerates.
“This transition marks a turning point—not only for Toyota’s operations in the U.S., but for North Carolina as a hub of next-generation vehicle manufacturing,” said a Toyota spokesperson. “Don Stewart brings the experience needed to lead this critical facility into full production and beyond.”
The project has also drawn praise from state and local officials, who see it as a long-term catalyst for economic development in central North Carolina. The state provided incentives to support the investment, including infrastructure improvements and workforce training programs in nearby communities.
In addition to job creation, Toyota’s presence is expected to attract a supply chain ecosystem of component manufacturers and logistics providers, potentially transforming the region into a Southeastern EV production corridor.
As global automakers race to meet stricter emissions standards and consumer demand for sustainable vehicles, Toyota’s investment in Liberty underscores its intention to remain competitive in the fast-evolving EV landscape.
With production scheduled to begin in the coming months and full-scale operations targeted in the near future, the Liberty facility represents both a milestone for Toyota and a major win for U.S.-based battery manufacturing.
Picture for illustrative purposes
