From the heart of the factory to the heart of the community - Deeside

Once again, the company shows its commitment to the local community by donating funds to over 40 organisations in and around its manufacturing locations.

The Toyota Manufacturing UK Charitable Trust had its best ever year in 2016, raising a total of £305,407.37.

Funds were raised mainly through “Lean Approach” Seminars, whereby delegates from any organisation can come to the factory in Burnaston, Derbyshire, the beating heart of the Toyota Production System in the UK, learn about Toyota philosophies, take a tour around the factory and have in-depth training on a related subject of their choice. The “Toyota Lean Management Centre”, at the organisation’s Engine plant in Deeside, North Wales also fundraises for the Trust by training in Toyota philosophies.

30 organisations in and around Toyota’s manufacturing facilities, were awarded with grants towards their activities focussing on road safety initiatives, overcoming social deprivation or improving health. In addition, 15 organisations with the involvement of Toyota staff, received grants up to £5000.

Charities benefitting from Toyota grants in Flintshire and the surrounding area include: Macmillan Cancer Support, Welsh Air Ambulance, NE Wales National Cycle Network, The Child Accident Prevention trust (CAPT), Circus Starr, Your Space (Marches) Ltd. , Spinal Injuries Association, The Movement for Non-Mobile Children (Whizz-Kidz), New Brighton Bowling Club, Awyr Las.

Tony Walker, Trustee for the Charitable Trust, and Deputy Managing Director at Toyota Manufacturing UK added “It is a privilege to be able to support local people working in fantastic organisations doing so much good work and making such a difference in the areas around our plants. At Toyota, it is important to us to be able to contribute to our local communities, and support our members’ interests in this way”.

Gini Smith from Macmillan joined the event to receive a donation of £50,000 which is the final instalment of a 3 year partnership with the factory. Gini said “We are delighted that Toyota Manufacturing UK chose to support Macmillan for three years through the Toyota Charitable Trust, raising funds of more than £139,000. We would like to thank Toyota Manufacturing UK for helping Macmillan fund grants for people affected by cancer in Derby, Burton-on-Trent, Loughborough and Deeside and to meet our aim to reach and improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer”

Note to Editors

Toyota Manufacturing UK produces Avensis, Auris, Auris Touring Sport and Auris Hybrid models at its vehicle manufacturing plant at Burnaston, Derbyshire, and petrol and hybrid engines at its engine manufacturing plant at Deeside, North Wales. In 2016, TMUK produced 180,425 vehicles, 282,518 engines for export and local assembly at plants across the world. To date, Toyota has invested over £2.5 billion into its UK manufacturing operations and currently employs over 3,100 members.

Toyota Manufacturing UK Charitable Trust (Reg. 1124678) was established in 2008 and is wholly funded by employee fundraising and sharing of best practice via “Lean Approach” Seminars. In 2016, over £305,000 was raised for charities in and around the factory sites in Burnaston, Derbyshire and Deeside, Flintshire.