Toyota Manufacturing UK: A Leader in UK Industry and Community

Toyota Manufacturing UK is a significant player in the UK's automotive industry. The company has a long history of innovation and excellence, with its first UK factory opening in 1992.

Located in Burnaston, Derbyshire, Toyota Manufacturing UK produces a range of vehicles, including the Auris and Avensis models. The factory is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and has a workforce of over 2,300 employees.

Toyota Manufacturing UK has made significant contributions to the local community, investing in education and training programs to support the development of young people in the area.

Toyota Manufacturing UK has a significant presence in the UK, with factories and subsidiaries playing a crucial role in the company's operations.

Toyota factories are a key part of the manufacturing process, with several located in the UK. Toyota subsidiaries also contribute to the company's operations, working together to produce high-quality vehicles.

Toyota's motor vehicle assembly plants in the United Kingdom are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring efficient production processes. The company's presence in the UK has created a network of suppliers and partners, supporting local businesses and economies.

Here are some of the key locations where Toyota Manufacturing UK operates:

Toyota Manufacturing UK has been focusing on sustainability for many years, with a goal of producing ever better mobility solutions and services that allow people to live safer, cleaner and more connected lives.

The company started its Environmental Challenge 2050 in 2015, which addresses six key areas, including reducing CO2 emissions throughout the entire value chain.

Reducing energy consumption is a crucial step in reducing CO2 emissions, and Toyota Manufacturing UK is constantly investigating and adopting new techniques and processes to achieve this goal.

One effective way to reduce energy consumption is to eliminate the need for energy in the first place, which is why the company is exploring the use of the Japanese principle called karakuri, which utilizes gravity and return springs to move things without using electricity.

Turning off lights and equipment when not in use is also a simple but effective way to reduce energy consumption, as it eliminates unnecessary energy usage.

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The company has also made significant environmental improvements, including using waste heat in the paint shop to heat the building and completely removing gas boilers.

Toyota Manufacturing UK has also invested in renewable energy sources, with a vast solar array that provides 5% of on-site electricity needs.

The company is now exploring ways to increase its use of renewables and hydrogen on-site, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint even further.

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Toyota Manufacturing UK is committed to investing in people and skills, recognizing that a continuous improvement environment requires ongoing training and development. All of their members have the opportunity for training and development throughout their careers.

The automotive industry is rapidly changing, with significant advances in technology including digitalisation, use of big data, autonomy, and the internet of things. Toyota is having to develop skills linked to electrification and hydrogen to meet the drive to net zero carbon.

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They've invested considerably in apprenticeships in production operations and maintenance engineering teams. Apprenticeships are a great way to develop practical skills, and it's wonderful to see companies like Toyota prioritizing this.

Toyota's training includes technical skills, but also softer skills like problem solving, project management, and emotional intelligence. This well-rounded approach helps employees become more versatile and effective in their roles.

The company encourages participation in a programme called Quality Control Circles, which helps employees develop their critical thinking and collaboration skills. This is a great way to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Toyota also prioritizes safety training, with a focus on it every month. This is essential for maintaining a safe working environment and preventing accidents.

The company regularly recruits graduates and encourages placements within the organization. This helps bring in fresh perspectives and ideas, and provides opportunities for employees to develop their skills and advance their careers.

Toyota is building links with local education providers, particularly through the East Midlands Institute of Technology (IoT). This partnership enables them to develop masters programmes and other qualifications that can develop the capability of their engineers.

The IoT is a collaborative platform that allows Toyota to learn from and share knowledge with other local manufacturing companies. This kind of collaboration can be incredibly valuable in driving innovation and improvement.

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Toyota Manufacturing UK is facing a significant challenge due to the global semi-conductor issue, which has forced them to plan non-production days to manage their production schedule accordingly.

The Derby region is rich in initiatives linked to new mobility and energy, providing Toyota with opportunities to support their goal of reducing and eliminating CO2 from their operations.

Hybrid engines are a key part of Toyota's success in reducing CO2 emissions, with their Corolla model built in Burnaston making a significant impact on fleet CO2 in the UK.

Toyota's Special Vehicle Operations activity is expanding their business into new areas, such as fitting out police cars and van conversions based on their Corolla Touring Sport.

Remanufacturing is a key initiative for Toyota, allowing them to repair and refresh fleet vehicles that can be sold into their dealer network, reducing the environmental impact and need for virgin materials.

The Derby's Transforming Cities programme is enabling Toyota to test new mobility schemes, such as a recent launch for the University in collaboration with KINTO, the mobility solutions arm of Toyota.

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