Hino Motors to Add 200 New Jobs at Marion Plant

Hino Motors Manufacturing U.S.A. said Tuesday it will invest more than $55 million to expand its plant in eastern Arkansas, creating 200 new jobs.

The plant in Marion manufactures parts for Toyota’s Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia models.

“Hino appreciates the support it received from the City of Marion and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to help facilitate these projects,” said Ed Rowlett, Hino general manager. “Both have been outstanding partners, beginning with our site selection meetings in 2004 and continuing without fail throughout.”

Hino broke ground on its plant in Marion in 2004. At the time, the company said it struggled to find qualified workers in the area. Gov. Mike Beebe said Tuesday that the latest expansion is a sign of the improving workforce in eastern Arkansas.

“When I first came into office, Arkansas was struggling to provide Hino with the appropriate workforce, so it is gratifying to see yet another expansion of this important East Arkansas employer,” Beebe said. “Hino’s continued investment in, and commitment to, Marion, and to Arkansas, show how far our workforce has come, and exemplifies the strength of their partnership with us.”

Hino also has a manufacturing plant in Williamstown, W.V. The company also has a parts distribution center in Mira Loma, Calif., that supplies Latin American and Caribbean distributors with Hino parts.

This article appeared in print in the October 2nd, 2013 edition of Hamodia.