Honda to build engine plant in Canada

Advancing towards its “2010 Vision” for North American automobile operations, in conjunction with a wider global strategy, Honda Canada Inc. is increasing its contribution to the Canadian economy by adding a third manufacturing facility to Ontario.

Scheduled to open in 2008, the new plant increases Honda’s commitment to Canada by an additional CDN$154 million and 340 new jobs.

The new engine plant will be located on a site neighbouring Honda’s two existing manufacturing facilities in Alliston, Ont. The existing sites produce 390,000 vehicles annually. At full capacity, the new engine plant will produce approximately 200,000 four-cylinder engines a year, supporting Honda Canada built vehicles.

“Today’s announcement supports Honda’s global strategic manufacturing focus of bringing manufacturing and sales operations to the local market to better respond to customer needs,” said Hiroshi Kobayashi, president and chief executive officer, Honda Canada Inc.

“Honda has a world-wide reputation for tremendous quality and continuous innovation. Canada and Canadian workers share that reputation, and I’m very pleased that Honda has recognized that by investing in a new Alliston engine plant,” said Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry. “Today’s announcement represents not only the direct creation of hundreds of new manufacturing jobs, but also hundreds of other new jobs in the construction and auto parts sectors as the plant is built and comes on-line.”