‘We Would Love for Them to be a Part of Our Team’ – A Conversation about Veteran Hiring with Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, U.S.A. Inc. is a new venture that will produce vehicles in Huntsville, Alabama, starting in 2021.
The $1.6 billion manufacturing plant is jointly owned by Mazda Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation and is expected to create up to 4,000 jobs. Mazda Toyota Manufacturing is currently ramping up its hiring effort for team members, with a target to start the hands-on assessments in January 2020 and have those first applicants on the job as early as March 2020.
The Mazda Toyota Manufacturing hiring process is a competitive one. Its recruiting managers estimate between 7% and 10% of applicants will make it all the way through the hiring process and receive a job offer.
Listen in as Todd Maloney and Tony Walker discuss how Mazda Toyota Manufacturing’s vigorous hiring process will allow them to build the “most talented team in automotive manufacturing” on this episode of the Hiring Our Heroes Sitrep podcast.
Additionally, Maloney and Walker will explain why they believe that hiring veterans will help Mazda Toyota Manufacturing grow to be one of the great manufacturing companies in the United States.
Top Takeaways from “We Would Love for Them to be a Part of Our Team:”
1. Mazda Toyota Manufacturing is hiring at a rapid pace.
“We are projected to employ 4,000 employees at full volume. Our initial goal is to fill at least 12% of our workforce with veterans, whether that is through our professional positions or manufacturing roles.” – Todd Maloney, recruiting manager at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
2. A successful candidate will need to pass all three stages of the hiring process before he or she receives a job offer. Stages one and two are computer-based assessments.
“Once you successfully complete the computer assessments, you will then move on to the next phase, which is on site at our facility. During this on-site visit, you will complete a hands-on assessment that measures your attributes for a job fit. It measures your speed, accuracy, the quality of your work, and your attention to detail.” – Todd Maloney, recruiting manager at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
3. Veterans have the skills that Mazda Toyota Manufacturing is seeking in its employees.
“Being a veteran myself, I know there are a lot of things that veterans bring with them that are what Mazda Toyota is looking for. For instance, veterans have great leadership skills, a good work ethic, are dedicated to the mission, value teamwork, and most of all, veterans understand the importance of following rules.” – Tony Walker, general manager of quality control at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
4. Mazda Toyota Manufacturing provides career opportunities for veterans.
“Here at our company, it’s not just about making cars. We care for these individuals and their families. We would love for them to be a part of our team and for them to bring their knowledge and skills to help us grow to be one of the great manufacturing companies here in the United States.” – Tony Walker, general manager of quality control at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
5. When companies hire military talent, they gain employees that work independently to accomplish tasks and to advance the company’s objectives.
“Employers are gaining a team member that is resilient, forward-thinking, and has the ability to handle change and challenging tasks. Veterans are also capable of working within a diverse team setting.” – Todd Maloney, recruiting manager at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
