GEORGETOWN, KY (Oct. 4, 2023) – For more than two decades, Janette Hostettler has provided her expertise and leadership know-how within Toyota North America across multiple positions and facilities. That legacy has had a tremendous impact on many. Hostettler and nine other women were the latest to be inducted into the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame during a ceremony in San Diego, California, on Sept. 26, 2023.

In addition, Toyota announced that Hostettler would be assigned to vice president of manufacturing at Toyota Kentucky, the company’s largest manufacturing facility in the world. In her most recent role, Hostettler served as the senior vice president of manufacturing at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, U.S.A, Inc. (MTMUS) in Alabama – a joint venture between the two automakers.

“I am thrilled by the news of my selection as an inductee in the WiM Hall of Fame and by the opportunity to join Toyota Kentucky as its vice president of manufacturing,” shared Hostettler. “My career at Toyota has been an incredible journey, offering me opportunities I never thought possible. I am excited about sharing my expertise and empowering other women while helping lead Toyota Kentucky into the future of automotive manufacturing.”

Hostettler began her career at Toyota in July 2000 as a paint quality engineer at the Princeton, Indiana plant. She was promoted numerous times throughout her career, placing her in several different shops, including quality control, paint, plastics, and plant engineering. In 2014, Hostettler was promoted to general manager of assembly before being assigned to MTMUS.

In her new role with Toyota Kentucky, Hostettler will lead the plant’s 9,500 team members and provide support as the plant completes a substantial transformation to its operations and capabilities that was kicked off in 2017. Toyota recently announced that Toyota Kentucky would be the first Toyota plant in North America to produce a battery electric vehicle (BEV) beginning in 2025.

“Janette brings a wealth of knowledge to our team. We look forward to how she will help Toyota Kentucky deliver on its promise to transform our operations as we continue producing quality products, including future electrified options,” said Kerry Creech, president, Toyota Kentucky. “We congratulate Janette on her induction into the Hall of Fame, yet another example of how well-respected and trusted she is across our industry.”

In 2019, the Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM) created the Hall of Fame to recognize women who have made significant contributions to the manufacturing industry with their efforts to support, promote and inspire other women in manufacturing.

“The honorees are a prestigious group, each of whom has made significant, lasting contributions to our industry,” said WiM President Allison Grealis. “They are true trailblazers whose work has created opportunity for countless other women. We are honored to recognize them in this special way.”

Inductees were nominated by their colleagues and industry peers and selected by a panel of WiMEF Executive Committee Board Members. The inductees were chosen based on their significant contributions to the advancement of women in manufacturing.

Hostettler joins three other WiM Hall of Fame inductees from Toyota – Leah Curry, president, Toyota Indiana (2022); Susan Elkington, senior vice president, electric vehicle supply, Toyota North America (2019); and Millie Marshall, president-retired, Toyota Indiana (2021).