Huntsville, Ala. - U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (D-Ala.) joined officials from the Toyota Motor Company to celebrate the rollout of the first V-6 engine manufactured in North Alabama.

 "Toyota has been a good friend to our state and particularly to North Alabama," said Cramer.  "Time and time again, Toyota has gone above and beyond its duty to give back to our community.  I congratulate Toyota and its great team of employees on its continued success in our community."

The Toyota production facility in North Alabama manufactures V-8 and V-6 engines for the Toyota Tundra and Tacoma truck models.  The facility currently employs 500 workers.

In 2001, Representative Cramer was a part of the North Alabama development team which helped convince Toyota to build its V-8 engine production facility in the North Huntsville Industrial Park.  Cramer has since joined Toyota officials to announce plant expansions in 2003 and 2004.  Toyota expects its next expansion to be completed in late 2006.  That expansion will bring the facility's total employment to 800 workers.

Cramer said, "It's hard to believe that it has been just over four years since we announced Toyota's decision to build its first V-8 engine plant outside of Japan right here in North Alabama.  Over the past few years, I have enjoyed my relationship with Toyota and the opportunity to work closely with the folks at Toyota."