On a November day in 1982, the first American-produced Honda Accord rolled off the assembly line at the Marysville Auto Plant. Now, almost 22 years later, another Accord rolled off the assembly line to more accolades.
Today, a silver 2004 Accord EX Sedan became the 10 millionth automobile produced by Honda in Ohio.
"This is a great accomplishment that shows the dedication of all our associates," Honda of America Mfg. President and CEO Koki Hirashima said. "Honda's growth in Ohio has provided opportunities for our associates, suppliers and neighboring communities."
With the start of motorcycle production in 1979, Honda of America was trying to establish itself as a company that could build quality products in the United States. Today, Honda of America is a leading automotive manufacturer, and Honda's operations in Ohio have become the North American hub supporting vehicle development, purchasing activities and parts exporting.
"Since that first Accord, our associates have never stopped trying to get better," said John Adams, Honda of America senior vice president and general manager of manufacturing. "From rolling model changes to building light trucks on the same line as cars, we have set the industry standard for flexibility and the desire to find better ways to manufacture the products our customers enjoy."
Flexibility is one reason Honda was able to reach the 10-million plateau in Ohio. During the last two decades, Honda of America has produced the Honda Accord, Civic and Element, while also producing the Acura TL and CL. Accord was produced at the East Liberty plant in the early 1990s, and next year it will be produced at both the East Liberty and Marysville plants.
The Marysville Auto Plant (440,000) and the East Liberty Auto Plant (240,000) have combined capacity to produce 680,000 cars and light trucks a year.
Employing more than 13,000 associates, Honda of America has invested more than $5 billion in its four Ohio facilities that also include the Marysville Motorcycle Plant and the Anna Engine Plant. Including other Honda operations in Ohio - Honda Transmission, R&D, engineering, Honda Trading, and a service parts and training center - Honda's Ohio employment is nearly 16,000.
Since starting in Ohio, Honda's manufacturing has expanded in North America with automotive plants in Canada, Mexico and Alabama, an ATV and powered watercraft plant in South Carolina, and a power products plant in North Carolina.
Last year, Honda's North American manufacturing operations spent more than $12.6 billion for parts and materials from 620 domestic suppliers in North America. Of that amount, more than half of those purchases came from 175 suppliers in Ohio.
Remember When
1982 - Auto production begins at the Marysville Auto Plant on Nov. 1.
1986 - Production of the Civic Sedan begins at the Marysville Auto Plant.
1988 - Honda of America produces its 1 millionth vehicle, a 1988 Civic
Sedan.
1988 - Honda of America produces the first Accord Coupe for export to
Japan.
1989 - The new East Liberty Auto Plant begins production of the Civic
on Dec. 18.
1996 - Honda of America's 5 millionth car, a 1997 Accord EX Sedan,
is built at the Marysville Auto Plant.
1999 - Marysville Auto Plant produces its 5 millionth Accord
2000 - Honda of America produces the 2 millionth Civic at the East Liberty
Auto Plant.
