Other factors were Ontario's ridiculously low corporate taxation (I guess we do have something to thank Mike Harris for, after all) and an advantageous location, on major road and rail routes and close to the existing complex in Cambridge. Canadian industry insiders also like to

Ray Tanguay, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC), answers questions from the local media. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

point out that Ontario's work force has a slight advantage in education, the slight advantage being while many workers in the southern states that were competing for the same factory often can't even read, Ontario is spending millions training workers specifically for high-tech automotive industry jobs and the nearby Cambridge facility can contribute their expertise and training to help get Woodstock on line.

Atsushi Niimi, formerly president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America (TMMNA) and now a senior managing director of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), noted the benefits of the Woodstock location.

Pictured from left to right: Japanese Ambassador to Canada, Sadaaki Numata; Ray Tanguay, president of TMMC; The Honourable Joe Cordiano, MPP, Minister of Economic Development and Trade; Japanese Counsul-General (Toronto), Hisao Yamaguchi, celebrate following the announcement ceremony. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

"This location allows us to capitalize on our outstanding operation 40 kilometres away in Cambridge. Its proximity to suppliers on both sides of the border will benefit both countries and it will mean new opportunities for those suppliers. Jobs will be created across North America," he said.

Further boosting the Canadian economy is the expansion of Canadian Autoparts Toyota, Inc. (CAPTIN) in Delta, British Columbia. Toyota will drop C$39.0 million/US$31.6 million on the Delta expansion, and wheel capacity at the west coast facility will increase by nearly 17 percent per year, starting in July 2007.