Mazda Toyota Manufacturing has announced new leadership at its plant in Huntsville.

Founding Plant President Masashi Aihara, who took the helm of the new plant in 2018 as part of his 40-year career with Mazda Motor Corp., stepped aside at the end of March.

Mazda veteran Mitsunobu Mukaida is now plant president. Mukaida has been with Mazda 35 years, most recently as executive officer in charge of global production. He has also served as CEO and president of Mazda Powertrain Manufacturing in Thailand.

“My mission at MTM as a joint venture plant is to further realize the synergy between Toyota and Mazda through their respective strengths, and to develop it as a ‘best in town’ facility that is loved by our team members and the local community,” said Mukaida. “I will continue to work with determination to put down roots in Huntsville.”

Mazda shares a plant with Toyota, where the Mazda CX-50 and Toyota Corolla Cross are made.