L to R: YKTA President Ryuji Fujimoto, Limestone County Economic Development Association President and CEO Bethany Shockney, Mazda Toyota Executive Vice President Hiro Kagohashi, Limestone County Economic Development Association Project Coordinator Tiffany Hagood, and Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks.
LIMESTONE COUNTY-YKTAL held a ‘Start Of Production’ event on Thursday, September 16. This event was held to celebrate the beginning of production at the YKTAL site in Limestone County.
YKTAL currently employs nearly 300 team members and will reach employment of 650 at full staffing.
“We have been waiting for this day a long time and we are so proud of the YKTA team and their accomplishments to make this historic day possible.” – Bethany Shockney
“Our Team Members have done a phenomenal job ensuring our readiness to start production. Each one has received training in their areas of responsibilities and have made significant contributions to launch of this new vehicle”, said Richard Morse, Vice President of Manufacturing.
President Ryuji Fujimoto commented, “We are proud to be a part of this launch and want to express our appreciation to each of the YKTAL Team Members for their hard work,
dedication and teamwork.”
“We are pleased to pause for this day of celebration. Working together, we will make YKTAL the best supplier and the best place to work,” said Jackie Hogan, Vice President of Administration.
YKTAL who is a supplier to their partner Mazda Toyota Manufacturing held the event to mark the beginning of production as well as several other announcements. The nearly 300 employees, both current and future production team members will get a pay increase with a starting rate from $17.00 to $19.50 per hour based experience. Skilled Maintenance positions start at an hourly rate of $24.00 to $32.00 per hour based on experience.
Team members also will receive a special commemorative jacket in recognition of the start of production.
Media Release/Blake Williams Communications, LLC
