PrintPrintHonda side-by-side production will transfer from the manufacturer’s Mexico operations to South Carolina. The move was based on the potential for increased production and future expansion at Honda of South Carolina, along with plans to expand the side-by-side dealer network in the U.S.
Staff Report
Published Nov. 1, 2012
As Honda of South Carolina Manufacturing Inc. marked the 2.5 millionth all-terrain vehicle produced at its Timmonsville plant on Thursday, the company announced it would invest $27 million to add to the facility’s production.
The company will produce Honda’s next generation side-by-side multiutility vehicle products in mid-2013 at the Florence County plant. The investment is expected to generate more than 65 new jobs.
“Adding the new side-by-side production demonstrates the confidence Honda top management has in our associates and their capabilities to produce these new vehicles,” Honda S.C. plant manager Scott McKenzie said.
The production milestone occurred just 14 years after Honda began ATV production in Timmonsville. The S.C. facility has manufactured several ATV models since its start in 1998, including the FourTrax and SporTrax series, which the plant continues to produce today.
Honda side-by-side production will transfer from Honda de Mexico to South Carolina. The move was based on the potential for increased production and future expansion at Honda S.C., along with plans to expand the side-by-side dealer network throughout the United States in 2013. Following the production move, Honda’s Mexico operations will increase capacity for the production of additional two-wheel products to meet growing market demand in Mexico.
“We’re very fortunate to have another flagship industry decide to expand here,” said state Sen. Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. “It is evident that Florence County continues to be a competitive and desirable location for manufacturers.”
Honda S.C. is renovating an existing 94,000-square-foot building to receive the production equipment from Honda de Mexico’s side-by-side plant. In the second half of 2013, Honda S.C. will be ready to begin production for the new products.
The Timmonsville plant currently manufactures all Honda ATVs for the North American market and the vast majority for global sales. It also is the exclusive North American production site for all utility models. In addition to manufacturing, Honda has established R&D and engineering; the company’s export handling operations in South Carolina; a parts distribution center; and other operations that support product development, manufacturing and sales in North America.
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