Honda’s North American operations, Honda Americas, is getting ready for the next generation of vehicles by investing into its ground zero. Three facilities in the state of Ohio will be receiving a total of $355 million in upgrades according to an Automotive News article. These establishments (the East Liberty factory, Marysville stamping plant and Raymond engineering center) were the first dedicated North American operations for Honda Motor Company. Opened in 1982, the Ohio plants have paved the way for all of Honda Americas builds and operations.
The investment is taking place right alongside the full restoration of Honda’s North American production. The Japan earthquake in March has put a hold on Japanese parts importation, causing Honda and other Japanese manufactures to pull back production. It appears that relief has finally kicked in as Honda gets ready to run full blast with this new investment. $166 million will be put into the East Liberty plant and $64 million will be sunk into the Marysville stamping press. Honda will not admit to how much the Raymond engineering center will be getting, but a brand-new wind tunnel has been installed.
The Raymond center is Honda Americas’ main vehicle development center. All North American specific Hondas are manufactured there, including the Acura crossovers, the MDX and ZDX. With such as massive investment, there is a good chance Honda is getting ready for a couple of all-new models.
Source: AutomotiveNews.com
