Honda plans high-tech Ohio auto plant in $3.38 billion expansion

Advanced automation, data-driven manufacturing and flexible production systems will underpin a new Union County facility capable of building hybrid, gasoline-powered and battery-electric vehicles.

Honda plans to build a $3 billion auto assembly plant in Union County equipped with advanced automation and data-driven manufacturing technologies, anchoring a $3.38 billion Ohio expansion expected to create 2,390 jobs.

"Honda's leadership could have chosen to build this plant anywhere in the world, but they chose Ohio because there are so many advantages to being here," said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.

The new facility will combine flexible production systems with the ability to manufacture hybrid, gasoline-powered and battery-electric vehicles. Planned for land between Honda’s existing Marysville and East Liberty plants, it will have capacity to produce 240,000 vehicles annually.

Production is expected to begin in 2029, pending final government approvals. The commitment, announced Nov. 9, also includes upgrades to Honda’s engine and transmission operations to expand production of next-generation hybrid powertrains.

Why it matters

The expansion connects new vehicle assembly capacity with Ohio’s existing network of engineering, testing and component manufacturing operations. It supports Honda’s push to produce more hybrids while preserving the ability to build vehicles with other powertrains as demand changes.

Honda expects the new plant to bring its total U.S. vehicle production capacity to approximately 1.3 million annually.

By the numbers

• $3.38 billion: Total newly announced investment across Honda’s Ohio operations.
• 2,390: New jobs committed across the Ohio projects.
• $3 billion: Planned investment in the new assembly plant, which is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs.
• 240,000: Planned annual vehicle production capacity at the new plant.
• 250%: Expected increase in Honda’s Ohio hybrid-system production capacity in the coming years.
• 2029: Target year for production to begin at the new assembly plant, pending approvals.

Next-generation powertrain production

The Union County facility will become Honda’s fourth auto plant in Ohio. Honda says its automation, data-driven technologies and flexible production systems will make it one of the company’s most advanced manufacturing operations.

The investment also includes upgrades at two existing facilities that produce the components needed for hybrid vehicles:

• Honda Transmission Plant-Ohio in Russells Point: Honda has begun retooling the facility to produce two next-generation hybrid systems. It will also serve as the lead plant for a new hybrid system designed for larger models. The operation currently builds two-motor hybrid systems for U.S.-made Honda vehicles, including the CR-V, Accord and Civic.
• Anna Engine Plant in Shelby County: Honda will retool an existing production line to manufacture a next-generation four-cylinder engine and expand an on-site parts consolidation center. Anna is Honda’s largest engine plant in the world.

“This investment reflects our commitment to building products close to our customers, and our confidence in the people, partners and communities of Ohio,” said Bob Nelson, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co.

Engineering and workforce connections

Honda cited Ohio’s skilled workforce, supplier network and proximity to existing manufacturing and vehicle-development operations as factors in its decision.

Those assets include its North American Automotive Development Center, the Transportation Research Center and the L-H Battery Company joint venture with LG Energy Solution in Fayette County. Honda says the battery operation will have the flexibility to produce cells for hybrid and all-electric vehicles.

The company also pointed to its education partnerships. Honda says its support for Ohio engineering and manufacturing education over the past four decades includes $132 million invested in research facilities and endowed chairs at Ohio State University, along with work-study partnerships with institutions such as Columbus State Community College.

JobsOhio president and CEO J.P. Nauseef said of the announcement that this "investment reinforces the state’s position at the forefront of the automotive industry’s future."

Honda began manufacturing motorcycles in Marysville in 1979 and cars in 1982. Before the newly announced commitment, its Ohio operations had grown to more than 15,000 employees and more than $15 billion in investment.