Five of Toyota’s American manufacturing facilities are celebrating historical anniversaries in 2026, marking decades of commitment to the U.S. economy and communities.

To honor these milestones, we spoke with team members from each plant who have been part of Toyota’s journey in their community since the beginning. Their stories reflect the dedication, pride and community spirit that drives Toyota.

30 Years of Toyota Indiana

Amanda Culver, quality assurance manager, started at the plant as a production team member.

Can you tell us about your journey with Toyota including how it all began and what kept you here all these years?
Amanda Culver: My journey has been full of learning, challenges and incredibly rewarding moments. Toyota supported me in completing my master’s degree in organizational leadership, and I’ve participated in numerous developmental programs. It’s clear throughout my career that Toyota Indiana truly invests in its people.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their career at Toyota?
Amanda Culver: Toyota believes our team members are our best resources. Look for the opportunities to grow and act on them.

25 Years of Toyota Alabama

Victor Osula, a Toyota Alabama team leader, started at the plant when it was ramping up production of its first engine line.

How has working at Toyota shaped your personal or professional life?
Victor Osula: Working at Toyota Alabama has broadened my horizon about personal discipline and respect for others. Professionally, I have learned a lot from the various Toyota trainings including keeping in mind that there is room for kaizen – continuous improvement.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their career at Toyota?
Victor Osula: Take pride in the work you do at Toyota. Follow the company policies and ask for the support you need to take your career where you want to go.

What kept you here all these years?
Victor Osula: Right from the very first day at Toyota Alabama, I was impressed by the cleanliness and structure of the organization. The emphasis on safety, quality and wellbeing of all employees is what has kept me here all these years.

35 Years of Toyota Missouri

Dan Caldwell, a skilled group leader, started at Toyota Missouri in 1991 and has worked in various roles during his tenure at the plant.

Can you tell us about your journey with Toyota including how it all began and what kept you here all these years?
Dan Caldwell:  I came here looking for a job – and I got a career. I love the Toyota Way, and how our company believes in respect for people and continuous improvement.

How has working at Toyota shaped your personal or professional life?
Dan Caldwell: The Toyota Way has influenced how I approach problems, not just in work but in everyday life. It encourages me to stop, think and find the true root cause of a problem. Even at home, I’ve moved furniture because I’ve been able to see how to make something easier. In my laundry room, I found it would be easier to operate without a wall, so I took the wall down. It’s that mindset.

30 Years of Toyota West Virginia

Christina Cobb is a long-time Toyota West Virginia production team member who started at the plant at just 21 years old.  She is seen here accepting her 25-year service award. In the background is a photo of her accepting her 5-year service award. Senior Engineering Manager Bobby Ryhne is presenting the award in both pictures.

How has working at Toyota shaped your personal or professional life?
Christina Cobb: Toyota has taught me how to juggle family life and work life, especially working night shift and having little kids. Night shift taught me how to cherish every single moment I have with my kids, tired or not.

What does being part of the Toyota family mean to you?
Christina Cobb: Toyota West Virginia is a team working together safely to assemble quality engines, transmissions, transaxles and gears for our customers. We all strive to develop the best products that we can and to be proud of everyone.

40 Years of Toyota Kentucky

Scott Trenary started at Toyota in 1988 as a production team member and later took on his current role as a skilled team leader.

In what ways has Toyota supported your growth and development throughout your tenure?
Scott Trenary: Toyota has always provided continuing training and support with new equipment and technologies. I started here 38 years ago, as a production team member and was promoted to team leader a year later. I was on the first model change team which required me to spend about three and half months in Japan. After model launch, I was accepted into the skilled trades and development program, a great program that trained me for what I really enjoyed.

How has working at Toyota shaped your personal or professional life? 
Scott Trenary: I’m proud to be part of the first Toyota plant in North America. Toyota has allowed me to provide for my family with job security and a solid foundation to build our future.