Honda Investing $42 Million in Timmonsville Plant

With an investment of $42 million, Honda of South Carolina Mfg., Inc. (HSC) today announced the creation of 44 new jobs to support production of two new Honda lines.  Honda executives and associates were joined at the celebration of the new production model by South Carolina Lt. Governor Henry McMaster, community and government officials and other guests.

“The side-by-side market is growing rapidly and Honda is focused on adding new jobs and investment to meet the increasing customer demand,” said Brian Newman, president of Honda of South Carolina. “The new Pioneer 1000 will be the flagship offering in the largest and fastest-growing segment of the industry, and the 1,000 associates at Honda South Carolina are ready and excited to meet the challenge.”

According to McMaster, Honda’s continued growth and investment in South Carolina is testament to its talented work force and is an example of the strong business climate in the state.

“Congratulations to Honda for creating 44 new jobs and continuing its investment in the people of Timmonsville,” said McMaster. “From all-terrain vehicles to side-by-sides, we’re extremely proud that Honda manufactures high-quality products in South Carolina. Today’s successful production startup of the all-new Honda Pioneer 1000 is testament to the achievements of our world-class workforce in this great state.”

Honda’s top North American executive also praised Honda of South Carolina’s associates for the successful launch of the groundbreaking Pioneer 1000.

“The ultimate heritage of any company is its people,” said Takuji Yamada, president of Honda North America. “I am excited to be here in South Carolina with associates representing Team Honda from across our many business divisions, including manufacturing, R&D and sales and marketing. The products that you are building in the Palmetto State today will set new benchmarks for our industry in the future.”

The Pioneer 1000 lineup is scheduled to be available in dealerships starting in October. The largest and most versatile side-by-side in Honda’s lineup to date, the class-leading Pioneer 1000 is produced exclusively at HSC. The Pioneer 1000 joins the Pioneer 700 and 500 as the flagship model for the product line built at HSC, which has been producing all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for 17 years for the North American market and for export to other regions.

HSC began production of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in July 1998 with a workforce of approximately 200 associates. The initial $30 million, 200,000 square-foot ATV manufacturing plant was the beginning of Honda of South Carolina’s significant growth in Florence County. In fall 2000, operations expanded to add engine production to the plant.

Today, HSC employs 1,000 associates in its 655,480 square-foot facility that now represents $344 million in investment. With the flexibility to produce many different types of powersports products, using domestic and globally sourced parts, associates at the Timmonsville plant currently manufacture Honda ATVs and side-by-sides for the North American market, as well as exporting globally.