"This week, Honda reached another major milestone in America with the 40th anniversary of manufacturing at Honda of America Mfg., Inc. in Ohio. What has driven our success from the beginning is the dedication and challenging spirit of our Honda associates.
Honda began production in 1979, with our "original 64" associates laying the foundation by building the Elsinore CR 250 motorcycle at our first manufacturing plant in Marysville, Ohio. This made Honda the first Japanese automaker to build products in the U.S., and not long after – on Nov. 1, 1982 – we began automobile production at our Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio, with the Honda Accord.
Honda has invested more than $11 billion in our manufacturing and R&D operations in Ohio, over the past 40 years. But we have been investing in more than buildings and equipment. The key to our success is how we invest in people and utilize their power and passion to create something new for the customer – that is the value that has served as our foundation from the earliest days of the company.
These deep roots in Ohio have led to new growth in Alabama, Indiana, Georgia, North and South Carolina; a total of 12 major plants in the U.S., producing not only automobiles but engines and transmissions, ATVs and side-by-sides, power equipment products and even the HondaJet.
As we celebrate this 40th anniversary of U.S. production we are committed to continuing our efforts to create new value and high-quality products for our customers. Based on the team we have in Ohio, and the opportunities ahead, I'm excited for the future of Honda in America."
Mitsugu Matsukawa
President
Honda of America Mfg., Inc.
