ROCHELLE — It’s been decades since any automobiles were produced in the “Hub City,” but Rochelle is one of several locations in the running for a new automobile production facility being planned by two big name companies — Toyota and Mazda.

Several states are reportedly being considered for the plant, but Rochelle officials are poised to pitch the advantages to the automakers to locate here, including its proximity to two Interstates, 39 and 88, as well as the Burlington-Northern Santa Fe and Union Pacific railroads.

“We have the infrastructure in place, and the location right,” said Rochelle’s economic director, Jason Anderson. “We have put in place what needs to be to attract a project like this.”

Reportedly, the automakers are searching for a 1,000-acre site to build a manufacturing facility at an estimated cost of $1.6 billion.

Up to 4,000 jobs could come with it.

Last week the automakers announced a collaboration agreement, with both Toyota and Mazda contributing equal funds for the proposed project. The proposed plant’s annual production is estimated to be 300,000 units.

“At the new plant, Mazda expects to produce cross-over models that Mazda will newly introduce to the North American market, and Toyota plans to produce the Corolla for the North American market,” according to the release on Toyota’s website.

The published report on the Toyota.com website did not indicate specific locations under consideration.

Anderson is in the process of assembling a group of industries and businesses that will help put together a proposal to show the automakers that Rochelle is the ideal location.

Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, said although specific company names have not been confirmed, “many signs point to that project as the Toyota-Mazda production facility.” Demmer acknowledged city officials have built the infrastructure to attract projects of this magnitude.

“I'm not surprised that Rochelle is on a short list for a major project like this… Rochelle has the land, the rail, the highways, and all the infrastructure that major investors look for when selecting a site,” Demmer said. “The number of jobs added by this project, or other similar projects, would be a boost to the Rochelle economy, the Ogle County economy, and the entire region's economy. Already people from miles around come to work in Rochelle, and this would add even more job opportunities for local residents.”

“Team Rochelle is ready,” Anderson said. “We’ve got the site — this is going to put Rochelle on the map. A project of this size wouldn’t be considering Rochelle if we weren’t ready.”