Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, the joint venture between Mazda Motor Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp. located in Huntsville, has hired more than 750 people, while also reaching other construction milestones on the plant that is set to begin producing vehicles in 2021. In addition, the company has revealed its new corporate logo.
On the plant itself, the HVAC operation is almost complete, while exterior utilities and the onsite partner utility supply are done. The parking lot is 85% complete and topsoil and seeding are well underway, at 70% complete.
On the inside of the plant, the Weld Apollo is 99% complete and the Assembly Apollo Line is about half-way done. The press equipment is almost at 70% complete, while the equipment in the paint department is at 50% complete. The Weld Discovery is just getting underway, at 20% complete, with the Assembly Discovery Line to be installed soon. The internal audit is at 90% complete.
The company’s logo was developed in partnership with Red Sage Communications and was designed to showcase MTM’s mission, vision, values and ties to North Alabama.
“We solicited the collaboration and support of our entire team — from production employees to executive officers — to ensure there was meaning in nearly every facet of the design,” said Mark Brazeal, MTM vice president of administration. “We want North Alabama to see our logo as a reminder of our commitment to serve as a hometown company as much as we want our team to be inspired and motivated to build the highest quality products for our customers every day.”
The logo is comprised of two sides joined by three lines representing the company origin and foundation of support from its parent companies, Mazda and Toyota. It also includes design elements, such as a custom red that was created through a mix of three shades of paint: Alabama State Red, Toyota Red and Mazda Soul Red. The blend was created by students at Limestone County Career Technical Center and was painted on the vehicle cabs used to complete the assessments at the AIDT/MTM Assessment Center.
“The opportunity to work collaboratively with Mazda Toyota Manufacturing’s team to develop their new logo and brand identity was tremendously exciting,” said Ellen Didier, Red Sage Communications founder and president. “The company’s brand values of innovation and collaboration, as well as a desire to relate to and connect with the North Alabama community, were key inspirations for the design.”
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing is expected to employ up to 4,000 people when fully operational and produce up to 300,000 vehicles a year.
