Central Ohio is getting another major addition to its manufacturing footprint. Honda announced Monday that it’s investing $3 billion to build a new auto plant in the region, a project expected to create more than 2,000 jobs and increase the company’s vehicle production capacity in the United States.
The new facility will be located on land between Honda’s existing Marysville and East Liberty auto plants. Production is expected to begin in 2029, pending final government approvals. Once operational, the plant will have the capacity to produce up to 240,000 vehicles annually.
“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 Gov. Mike DeWine, who joined Honda and economic development leaders for Monday’s announcement. “For almost half a century, Honda and Ohio have grown together, and generations of families have built their careers on Honda’s manufacturing lines. Today’s announcement isn’t just an investment in a new facility – it’s an investment in Ohio’s people and Ohio’s future.”
The new plant will be Honda’s fourth auto manufacturing facility in Ohio. It’s designed to be one of the company’s most advanced facilities, with automation, data-driven technology, and flexible production systems.
That flexibility is important because the plant won’t be limited to one type of vehicle. Honda plans to manufacture vehicles with hybrid, traditional gasoline-powered, and battery-electric powertrains, allowing production to shift as customer demand changes.
“These investments strengthen America’s role as a cornerstone of Honda’s global future and reflect our confidence in our more than 30,000 Honda associates and the strength of American manufacturing,” said Bob Nelson, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “By expanding our comprehensive R&D and manufacturing capabilities, we will be better positioned to serve our customers and contribute to the economic vitality of the communities where we operate.”
More Than 2,000 New Jobs Coming to Ohio
The new assembly plant is expected to create more than 2,000 American jobs. But that’s not the only employment boost included in Honda’s latest announcement.
The company is also investing in two existing Ohio facilities: its Anna Engine Plant and Honda Transmission Plant-Ohio in Russells Point. Combined with the new assembly plant, Honda’s latest Ohio commitment totals approximately $3.38 billion and is expected to create 2,390 new jobs.
At the Anna Engine Plant, Honda plans to retool an existing production line to manufacture a next-generation four-cylinder engine for future compact and midsize vehicles. The company is also expanding an on-site parts consolidation center.
Meanwhile, Honda Transmission Plant-Ohio is preparing to produce two next-generation hybrid systems. The upgrades are expected to increase the facility’s hybrid system production capacity by 250% in the coming years.
The investments are part of a larger strategy to expand hybrid vehicle production across North America, with additional manufacturing upgrades planned at Honda facilities in Alabama and Georgia.
Honda Has Been Building in Ohio for Nearly 50 Years
Honda’s relationship with Ohio dates back to 1977, when the company announced plans for its first U.S. manufacturing operation in the state.
It began building motorcycles in Marysville in 1979 with just 64 associates. In 1982, the Marysville Auto Plant began producing vehicles, becoming the first Japanese-brand automobile manufacturing facility in the United States.
Today, Honda employs more than 15,000 associates in Ohio and has invested more than $15 billion in its state operations. The company’s Ohio footprint also includes the Anna Engine Plant, Honda’s largest engine manufacturing facility in the world, research and development operations, Honda Transmission Plant-Ohio, and its joint venture battery facility with LG Energy Solution in Fayette County.
Honda also works with more than 750 original equipment suppliers across North America, many of which support its Ohio operations.
“The Region won this investment by demonstrating the skilled workforce, manufacturing know-how, and regional collaboration Honda needs to build its future,” said Jonas Peterson, president of One Columbus. “The message is unmistakable: the next generation of Honda has a home in the Columbus Region.”
The new plant will build on that existing network, connecting vehicle production with expanded engine and hybrid system manufacturing. It’s another significant investment in an industry that already employs approximately 100,000 Ohioans.
