SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY : Toshiba Will Begin Manufacturing New Laptop Computer at Irvine Plant

Toshiba will start manufacturing its newest laptop computer model, the T5100, at its Irvine plant beginning in January, the company said Monday. The move is part of the Japanese electronic giant’s push to increase production at its U.S. plants in response to growing trade pressures, the decline in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Japanese yen and increased demand for its products.

Toshiba America, the Japanese company’s U.S. subsidiary, also said it has opened a second manufacturing assembly line at its Irvine plant to produce its T1100-Plus and T1200 laptop models.

In a statement Monday, Toshiba didn’t say what effect the Irvine production expansion will have on local employment. However, John Rehfeld, vice president and general manager, said recently that the company expects to add 100 more people during the next six months.

Toshiba also said it is expanding production of office copier toner products and other duplicating equipment at its Mitchell, S.D., plant.