Honoring Honda Manufacturing of Alabama

HONORING HONDA MANUFACTURING OF ALABAMA -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 21, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. MIKE ROGERS
OF ALABAMA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2004

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, on May 7, 2004, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama held a ceremony to recognize the beginning of production on its second line of vehicle assembly. This event highlights Honda's growing commitment to Alabama through investment, job creation and economic development. It emphasizes the jobs created by the expansion as well as the jobs created by the suppliers who have moved to the South, many of them in Alabama.

Honda opened its first assembly line in Lincoln in November 2001. One year later, Honda began construction of the second assembly line. A $425 million capital investment, coupled with the initial expenditure, brought Honda's investment in Alabama to more than $1 billion. The result is 4,300 high quality, good paying jobs and a doubling of the plant's initial production capacity to 300,000 vehicles and engines by the end of 2004. Honda's Pilot SUV will join the Odyssey as the two products manufactured at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama.

The new assembly line was built adjacent to the existing facility and will mirror the current facility's operations with synchronous body and engine assembly under one roof. Operations for stamping, plastic injection molding, die-casting and machining of engines and engine assembly have been increased at the existing facility to supply both assembly lines.

The jobs created at HMA are competitive in the industry, providing quality compensation and benefits. Honda had three objectives when it came to Alabama. First, it wanted to build a plant using the company's flexible manufacturing system. Secondly, it wanted to hire and train associates with no automotive experience. Finally, Honda wanted to employ associates using advanced technology and materials. The startup of the second assembly line at the Lincoln facility is testament to the success of these objectives in Alabama.

Congratulations to Honda and its associates for their many achievements, and thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the House's attention today on this important matter.

END