Wilbert W. James Jr

Wilbert W. James Jr. is president of TABC, Toyota's oldest manufacturing facility in the U.S., where he is responsible for the overall operation of the plant in Long Beach, Calif. TABC, originally called Toyota Auto Body California, opened in 1972 as a parts manufacturer (notably truck beds) and now manufactures medium-size trucks for Toyota's commercial vehicle subsidiary, Hino Motors.

TABC also produces steering columns, stamped parts and catalytic converters. Since joining the company in 1987, James has taken jobs of increasing responsibility, including assistant general manager of the production administration office and general manager of assembly. Before his recent promotion, James was senior vice president of TABC. He is active on several boards, including Toyota's representative for the Board of Affiliates for the National Society of Black Engineers, and he serves as a member of the Board of Regents at Kentucky State University. He earned an associate's and bachelor's degree from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va.

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