LIBERTY, N.C. — Toyota announced plans Monday to build a battery manufacturing plant at the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite in Randolph County, bringing 1,750 jobs to the region.

The company will invest $1.29 billion in the facility, which is expected to begin producing batteries for Toyota’s hybrid electric vehicles by 2025.

“Toyota could have chosen anywhere in the United States for this first battery plant and they chose us,” said Gov. Roy Cooper, D-N.C.

Christopher P. Reynolds, a member of Toyota Motor Sales’ board of directors, said during the announcement that the investment represents the largest private capital investment in North Carolina history. He hinted at potential expansion, referring to a possible “Phase II” for the plant once construction is complete.

The Randolph County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Monday morning to approve the transfer of ownership of the megasite property and authorize economic development tax incentives. The vote came after a public comment period.

Not all residents supported the announcement. Critics of the megasite launched a “No Megasite” campaign on social media and around the proposed site, arguing that state and county tax dollars were being spent to develop the megasite while dozens of commercial and industrial properties sat vacant elsewhere in the county.

The megasite development required property acquisition from more than 60 owners. Some property owners opposed the sales.

Only one person spoke during the public comment period at Monday’s meeting.

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