Here’s how Toyota is bringing more business to the Triad

WINSTON SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — A company under the Toyota ownership umbrella just bought a newly built facility in Whitaker Park in Winston-Salem.

This is just the most recent business moving in to support Toyota's Battery Manufacturing Megasite in Liberty.

Ever since Toyota announced it was setting up shop, there's been a business boom across the Triad.

Businesses supporting the battery manufacturing plant are moving into Greensboro, Liberty and Randolph County.

This announcement is thought to be the first time Winston-Salem is feeling the economic impact.

Rob Gage deals with industrial properties while working for Brennan Investment Group. That's the group that developed this facility at Reynolds Court to make sure it was industry-ready.

The newly built facility attracted a well-known buyer a business from the Toyota group.

"Part of what I think attracted Toyota Tsusho to the facility was ... it's flexibility, it's modern design ... It's got some outside storage. There's actually rail in close proximity. I'm not sure if they'll use that rail, but I think it was a part of the decision," Gage said.

This isn't the only company seeing potential in the area.

Front Street Capitol also just announced a huge development called The Grounds just a half mile down the road from Whitaker Park.

"We're able to put retail and shops and entertainment places for the workers to have easy direct connectivity through sidewalks and walking trails that connect straight from their jobs to the Grounds," President and Managing Partner of Front Street Capital Coleman Team said.

With projects coming soon, Team is expecting Winston-Salem to look similar to a few decades ago when R.J. Reynolds played a big factor in the economy.

"So the resurrection of both the jobs at an area that's been in significant decline for decades and the resurrection of the retail at the Grounds is an unbelievable ... changing of history for this area," Team said.

The Toyota plant is set to open in 2025, and Gage says this is just the beginning of growth. As an investor, he's got his eyes on the Triad.

"We are actively evaluating other opportunities in Winston-Salem and the Triad," Gage said.

The facility in Whitaker Park will handle logistics and warehousing for the battery plant.

There is no word yet on when it will open or how many people will work here.