(December 23, 2010) RUSSELLS POINT, Ohio — Honda Transmission of America Mfg., Inc. has broken ground for a $70 million 200,000-square-foot expansion project that will create more than 100 full-time jobs and increase the plant's capabilities to manufacture Honda's latest transmission technologies when the new production line begins in 2012.

In addition to the expansion, the company also announced that it is currently adding 60 jobs for the start of a second shift in early 2011, and that an additional $25 million in renovation projects are under way to increase plant flexibility.

Honda's total investment in the plant will exceed $490 million when this latest expansion and other renovations are completed. The $70 million expansion project includes installation of a third assembly line, along with other new operations for the production of Honda's most advanced automatic transmissions, and relocation of the plant's two existing assembly lines into the new manufacturing space.

It also will increase the plant’s capacity to produce more than 1 million automatic transmissions annually, from 800,000 now.

"The start of this project is recognition of the accomplishments of a great team of associates, and the strong partnerships we have established in this community," said Honda Transmission President Yuji Takahashi. "Together, we have created a solid foundation for growth into the future to meet the needs of our customers."

Prior to the ceremony, Jeff Tomko, Honda Transmission vice president and plant manager, announced that a second shift will start early next year to produce automatic transmissions for the all-new 2012 Civic that goes on sale in spring 2011. Honda manufactures Civic models for North American customers at plants in Indiana and Ontario Canada.

The hiring of 60 fulltime associates is under way to prepare for the increased production.

Additional modifications will result in the domestic production of six-speed automatic transmissions for some Honda Odyssey models, manufactured at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama.

"These projects represent Honda's ongoing commitment not only to our customers, but to our neighbors and suppliers who benefit from local production of the transmissions that go into Honda automobiles," Tomko said.

"We also are committed to reducing the environmental impact of these new operations. No waste will be sent to landfills, and energy will be conserved through use of energy-efficient equipment and lighting systems."