Close-up: Toshiba factory expands to build Ford hybrid motors

Toshiba International Corporation expanded the manufacturing capacity at its Houston factory last year to make hybrid and electric motors for the Ford Fusion hybrid with the goal to eventually produce 10,000 units per month.

Toshiba began the $30 million-plus construction for the factory's expanded capacity in January 2011. The company hired approximately 60 workers for the project and looks to hire another 55 more.

"This means a lot for Toshiba to become part of the movement to reduce emissions to the environment and it means a lot to be part of the high-energy automotive industry," said Don Robinson, HEV plant manager.

Hybrid and electric motors are just one of many things Toshiba produces at the location. Toshiba International Corporation is part of a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, which is comprised of four divisions, three are headquartered in Houston—the Industrial Division, the LED Lighting Division and the Transmission and Distribution Division.