For many people, international business conjures images of glass towers in New York or container ships moving through coastal ports. Yet one of the world’s most influential brands in home and bathroom technology has quietly built its American foundation in Clayton County. For nearly three decades, TOTO USA—the U.S. manufacturing subsidiary of Japan-based TOTO Ltd.—has operated its primary American production facility in Morrow, Georgia, anchoring Clayton County firmly within the global economy.
Since opening in 1996, the Morrow facility has served as both a manufacturing hub and a long-term investment in the local workforce. In 2024, TOTO reaffirmed that commitment by announcing a $238 million expansion of its campus, a move that underscores confidence in Clayton County’s infrastructure, talent base, and business climate.
Strengthening the Local Economy
While the expansion will not add new positions, it will preserve approximately 300 existing jobs and significantly raise wages. Average salaries at the facility are expected to increase from $56,000 to roughly $70,000, reflecting the company’s focus on retaining skilled workers as production scales up.
The expansion will also increase manufacturing capacity by 50 percent, enabling the Morrow plant to produce up to 300,000 bathroom fixtures annually. This growth positions the facility as a central player in TOTO’s North American operations, particularly as demand rises for its high-efficiency and technology-driven products.
For Clayton County, the reinvestment represents economic stability at a time when manufacturing employment has faced pressure nationwide. TOTO’s decision to expand—rather than relocate or downsize—signals long-term confidence in the county’s logistics network, workforce reliability, and pro-business environment.
Public-Private Partnerships at Work
The project also highlights the role of strategic public-private partnerships in sustaining advanced manufacturing. The Clayton County Development Authority approved a bond-for-title arrangement for the expansion, a common incentive structure that offers temporary property tax abatements in exchange for long-term investment. While the exact value of TOTO’s incentive package was not disclosed, similar agreements in the county typically involve a phased abatement over ten years, gradually returning to full taxation.
In addition to local incentives, TOTO benefits from several statewide programs that support manufacturers. These include Georgia’s Quick Start workforce training program, which provides customized employee training at no cost, as well as sales and use tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment. Clayton County’s Freeport tax exemptions on raw materials and finished goods inventory further reduce operational costs.
Together, these tools help attract and retain major employers while ensuring continued investment in the local economy.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Beyond economic impact, TOTO has distinguished itself through its environmental practices, aligning closely with Georgia’s emphasis on water conservation. The Morrow facility operates a gray water recycling system that treats used manufacturing water and returns it to the Clayton County Water Authority.
During Georgia’s 2007 mandate requiring businesses to reduce water usage by 10 percent, TOTO exceeded expectations by cutting consumption by 25 percent—saving an estimated 3.86 million gallons annually. The facility also recycles broken porcelain back into raw materials, significantly reducing landfill waste.
These initiatives reinforce Clayton County’s reputation as a location where modern manufacturing and environmental responsibility can coexist. TOTO’s approach demonstrates that sustainability is not an obstacle to industrial growth, but a core component of it.
A Global Company with Local Impact
TOTO Ltd., headquartered in Kitakyushu, Japan, is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of bathroom fixtures. In fiscal year 2024, the company reported net sales of ¥724.5 billion—approximately $4.8 billion USD—with operating profits of ¥48.5 billion. The Americas segment, which includes the Clayton County operation, generated about ¥70.5 billion in sales, with projections rising to ¥80 billion in the coming year.
This growth trajectory explains the strategic importance of the Morrow expansion. As demand increases across North America—particularly for TOTO’s WASHLET line of bidet-style toilets—the Clayton County facility is positioned to play a central role in meeting that demand.
Looking Ahead
For Clayton County residents, TOTO USA represents more than an international brand name. It is a stable employer, a leader in manufacturing innovation, and a responsible steward of environmental resources. The $238 million expansion strengthens wages, secures long-term employment, and reinforces the county’s standing as a hub for advanced manufacturing.
As global business continues to evolve, TOTO’s decision to deepen its roots in Clayton County serves as a reminder that world-class innovation does not belong solely to major metros. In places where workforce, infrastructure, and opportunity align, global companies can—and do—build lasting foundations. For Morrow, Georgia, that foundation has been in place for nearly 30 years, and it continues to grow.