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Production

Each vehicle produced at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc., (TMMK) is made of thousands of quality parts. But like a quilt, pieces are only the beginning.

The ideas, efforts and dedication of Kentucky team members gives those pieces unity, strength and beauty as a finished product.

Representatives from around the world come to Georgetown to learn how the time-tested experience of Toyota combines with Kentucky ingenuity at a state-of-the-art automaking facility. Our production system has been honed since the turn of the century into a model for the automobile industry, and we're quite proud of how it helps us to make some of the finest automobiles in the world.

 

You can learn more about the process, and our plant, by going here. The sophisticated Toyota Production System has a unique vocabulary that lets our team members discuss specific elements precisely. Learn about some of those terms here.

If you'd like a quick introduction to the process we use to make our cars — just enough to make you sound smart at parties — just scroll down.

You'll be an expert in no time.

STAMPING

At the beginning of each vehicle's 20-hour journey through the production process, gleaming coils of steel — 95 percent of which is provided by domestic suppliers — are cleaned, straightened and stamped into more than 200 body components and parts. An in-house Die Manufacturing Shop makes dies for Georgetown and other North American Toyota Plants.

BODY WELD

A combination of human welders and more than 700 robotic welders make more than 4,200 spot welds per vehicle, transforming the steel parts into the strong body shell that is the foundation for the finished vehicle.

PAINT

During more than ten hours in Paint, each vehicle shell undergoes a complex series of prep, priming, sanding sealing and topcoating processes designed to create a finish that is as durable and corrosion-proof as it is beautiful.

PLASTICS

For efficiency and the ability to make improvements quickly, instrument panels, glove-box covers and other plastic components are produced on site.

POWERTRAIN

Kentucky-made engines have powered Camrys since January 1990, and Avalons since the model was launched. The Georgetown Powertrain Plant produces four and six cylinder engines, along with axle assemblies. In addition, engines and engine components are manufactured for export.

ASSEMBLY

In assembly, each body shell is transformed into an operating vehicle, as team members install everything from the engine and electrical components to operating fluids and the insignia. This is the largest area of production.

INSPECTION

At the end of assembly, each vehicle receives a quality inspection. From the marshaling yard in Georgetown, vehicles are shipped by rail and truck to distributors, dealers and customers across America and around the world.

TEST TRACK

Every day, vehicles are chosen randomly to be put through their paces on the two-mile test-track near the production facilities. Team members from throughout the plant drive and evaluate the vehicles as if they were new-car buyers.

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