[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 73 (Friday, May 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E929-E930]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING HONDA MANUFACTURING OF ALABAMA

                                 ______
                                 

                            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.

[[Page E930]]

  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.

                          ____________________