Subaru, then known as Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), and Isuzu signed a joint venture agreement on May 29, 1986, to form Subaru-Isuzu Automotive and to share production facilities at a new plant in Lafayette, Indiana,[3] between Indianapolis and Chicago.

The plant was completed in late 1988 and officially began producing the Subaru Legacy and Isuzu Pickup on September 11, 1989.

[4] While only about 500 cars were finished in the first full month of production, the plant's annual capacity was 240,000 vehicles.

Next, under a contract with Toyota, SIA built the Camry from February 28, 2007, until May 27, 2016, when additional space was needed for increased Subaru production.

Free guided tours are typically offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, except during its summer and winter shutdowns.