Richland Source reported Nov. 9 that Honda intends to build a new assembly plant in Central Ohio, a fourth auto plant in the state. The facility would sit between Honda’s Marysville and East Liberty plants and is designed for 240,000 vehicles a year. Honda said the line would be able to build hybrids, gasoline-powered vehicles and battery-electric models.
The project carries an estimated $3 billion investment and more than 2,000 jobs, the report said. Honda’s total Ohio commitment, including work at the Anna Engine Plant and Transmission Plant-Ohio, is 2,390 jobs and $3.38 billion. Production is targeted for 2029, subject to final government approvals; construction also awaits approvals.
Honda plans to retool its Russells Point transmission plant for two next-generation hybrid systems, which the report says would raise Ohio hybrid-system capacity by 250 percent in coming years. That plant is to lead production of a new hybrid system for larger models. An Anna Engine Plant line would be retooled for a next-generation four-cylinder engine, and an on-site parts consolidation center would expand.
The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a tax credit for the project on the morning of the announcement, according to the report. Honda also intends to seek JobsOhio assistance, with details to be released after a final agreement. Honda executives and economic development officials cited Ohio’s workforce, supplier network and existing operations as reasons for the selection.