CONESTOGA COLLEGE
TMMC and Conestoga launch Toyota Smart Factory Learning Hub

Conestoga is announcing a transformative gift from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC) to expand access to excellence in education with cutting-edge technologies and hands-on experiences that prepare students to lead in smart factory environments.

Conestoga and TMMC celebrated the launch of the Toyota Smart Factory Learning Hub on October 31 with the presentation of a gift manufactured in the smart factory. L-R: Frank Voss, President, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas; Augustina Lasarte Villar, 2025 Bachelor of Engineering - Mechanical Systems Engineering graduate; Tim Hollander, President, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada; Marilyn Powers, Dean, School of Engineering & Technology; Ray Tanguay; Conestoga President John Tibbits; Pejman Salehi, Executive Dean, Computer Science, Engineering Technology, Trades and Creative Industries.

TMMC has committed $2 million over the next two years to establish the Toyota Smart Factory Learning Hub at the college's Cambridge - Fountain Street campus. The state-of-the-art facility will help shape the future of Industry 4.0 education and redefine experiential learning and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

"This transformative partnership with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to delivering future-focused education," said Conestoga President John Tibbits. "The Toyota Smart Factory Learning Hub will not only enhance technical abilities but also foster the innovation and adaptability required to thrive in a rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape."

The Toyota Smart Factory Learning Hub will play a vital role in driving the future of manufacturing in Canada. Equipped with Industry 4.0 technologies, the facility will be integrated into multiple engineering and technology programs to provide students with hands-on, experiential learning aligned with current and emerging industry standards to produce career-ready graduates for TMMC and the broader manufacturing sector, addressing evolving workforce needs through applied learning and innovation.

"The Smart Factory demonstrates the power of partnerships between industry and education," said Tim Hollander, President, TMMC. "By giving students access to state-of-the-art technology and real-world applications, we are helping cultivate the next generation of skilled professionals who will lead the future of manufacturing."

Industry 4.0 technologies represent the next evolution in manufacturing, combining automation, data exchange and smart systems to create more efficient, flexible and responsive production environments. These technologies enable manufacturers to improve productivity, reduce downtime and adapt quickly to changing market demands while supporting sustainability and innovation.

The smart factory will also serve as a hub for collaboration with TMMC, its affiliates, suppliers and other industry partners, building stronger connections between education and industry.    

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC) manufactures the Toyota RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus RX 350, RX 350h and RX 500h as well as the Lexus NX and NX Hybrid at three manufacturing facilities in Ontario. TMMC is recognized as the most awarded auto plant globally for manufacturing quality. It employs over 8,500 Canadians, has the capacity to produce more than 500,000 vehicles annually and has been Canada's highest volume automotive manufacturer over the past five years.

Conestoga's School of Engineering & Technology offers a comprehensive suite of programs with a wide range of credentials in areas that include architecture, civil, construction, mechanical and electronics. Programs feature project-based learning, co-op work experience and applied research opportunities to prepare graduates for success in their chosen fields. Conestoga was the first college in Ontario to offer fully accredited engineering degrees.