PRINCETON - A $450 million investment made by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana came to fruition this week as manufacturing began on the Highlander sport utility vehicle.

A ceremony was held Thursday in the new TMMI visitor's center as local dignitaries and company executives marked the launch of the vehicle production.

Toyota spokeswoman Kelly Dillon said the Highlander, which is a "unibody" made ride, will be produced on the same assembly line as the Sequoia SUV.

The finishing touches are being made at the tourism center, and after TMMI team members get a chance to tour the facility, it will be open to the public, said vice-president R.J. Reynolds.

Beside being used to introduce the Highlander, the visitor's center showcases the history of Toyota, demonstrates how production of modern vehicles is accomplished and highlights Toyota vehicles used in motor sports.

Reynolds noted that the past year has been a tough time for the automotive industry, and that there have been difficult market conditions, but the company is hoping the production of a new Highlander will help TMMI transition into better financial waters.

The Princeton plant will be the sole manufacturer of the Highlander in North America, Dillon said.

"One thing you've got to understand is we're not out of this thing yet," Reynolds said. "But our team members would rather build vehicles than sit in a training class."

TMMI team members have been doing training and plant improvements during a slowdown in production during the last year.

TMMI president "Kaz" Oi reiterated the appreciation of work done by employees during uncertain economic times. "We are proud of the efforts our team members demonstrated in a tough situation," he said.

"With the start of Highlander production, this is a new game," Oi said.

"Highlander production gives us better use of our capacity and demonstrates our continued commitment to the U.S. and the state of Indiana," said Wil James, TMMI senior vice president.

Adding their words of praise were Tetsuo Agata, president of Toyota North America operations, and TMMI team member Karen Hall.

According to dealers at the Thursday reception, the sticker price of a new Highlander approaches $40,000, depending on options.