Today Toyota executives and state officials announced that Mississippi would be the location for Toyota’s eighth U.S. manufacturing plant. As a lifelong resident of Mississippi I am very pleased with this decision. I am more even more pleased, though, with one of the reasons given for why my state was chosen:

On my visits to Northern Mississippi, I have talked with area companies and observed their work force. What I observed were people who are educated, ethical and friendly with a strong work ethic – a perfect match for the Toyota Way.” — Toyota Manufacturing Executive Vice President Ray Tanguay

According to The Clarion Ledger, this plant will produce up to 150,000 Toyota Highlander SUV vehicles a year and employ up to 2,000 when it opens in 2010.

This is very exciting news for Mississippi. With the Nissan plant in Canton, it will give us two automobile manufacturing plants. I feel it is also a testiment to the strong leadership of Governor Haley Barbour.