Leader of Randolph County Toyota plant steps down, new president named

Sean Suggs, president of Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina, is stepping down. He has led much of the first phase of development of the Toyota electric vehicle battery plant in Liberty. 

Suggs is retiring in June, the company says. He’s been in charge of manufacturing and the start of production at the nearly $14 billion plant.

Don Stewart, the plant’s vice president, will replace him effective Monday.

Toyota broke ground on the plant in 2021 and plans a workforce of over 5,000 people. The company says it will begin production this year.