Honda North Carolina Manufacturing (NCM) recently marked a significant milestone as they celebrated 40 years of production in the Tar Heel State. The company commemorated this achievement with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for new weld and paint operations for all-terrain vehicles (ATV) at their Swepsonville plant. This investment of $21.5 million solidifies NCM as the exclusive manufacturing facility for Honda ATVs in North America. Additionally, Honda announced plans to produce electrified powersports and power equipment products at the North Carolina facility, making it the first Honda production facility in the region to do so.
The event was attended by Kazuhiro Takizawa, president & CEO, and Bob Nelson, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., along with NCM associates and invited guests. The completion of the ATV production transition from Honda South Carolina Manufacturing (SCM) in Timmonsville, S.C., to NCM marks a significant step in the company’s manufacturing strategy. SCM will now focus exclusively on producing Honda side-by-side vehicles, while NCM will handle ATV production.
Mark Kohls, vice president of Honda Powersports and Products, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., emphasized the commitment of Honda associates in North Carolina to delivering quality products to customers. The decision to consolidate ATV production in North Carolina reflects the dedication and expertise of NCM associates over the past 40 years. The facility has continually evolved to meet customer demands, starting with lawnmowers in 1984 and expanding to include a range of power equipment products such as snow blowers, string trimmers, mini-tillers, water pumps, generators, and general-purpose engines.
Lynne Hedrick, site lead at Honda North Carolina Manufacturing, expressed excitement about the future of Honda powersports manufacturing in Swepsonville with the completion of ATV production capabilities. The facility, spanning nearly 650,000 square feet, represents a significant capital investment of $416.5 million. Over the past four decades, NCM has produced more than 50 million products, showcasing their commitment to quality and innovation.
In addition to their manufacturing achievements, Honda has been actively involved in supporting the local community. The company and the Honda USA Foundation have contributed over $1.15 million to various North Carolina programs and organizations this year. This includes support for education and environmental initiatives, such as The Foundation for North Carolina A&T State University and Triangle Bikeworks‘ Youth Biking for Environment Sustainability program. As part of their anniversary celebrations, Honda associates will be hosting an onsite event to pack snack packs and school kits for the benefit of the Salvation Army, further demonstrating their commitment to giving back to the community.
Overall, Honda’s 40-year anniversary in North Carolina signifies a legacy of excellence in manufacturing and community engagement. With plans to produce electrified powersports and power equipment products at the Swepsonville facility, Honda continues to innovate and lead the way in the industry. The company’s dedication to quality, sustainability, and community support sets a strong foundation for future growth and success in North Carolina and beyond.