Marysville, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced a major expansion of Honda’s manufacturing operations in the state, with the automaker planning to invest approximately $3 billion in a new vehicle assembly plant in Central Ohio and create more than 2,000 jobs at the facility.
The announcement, made alongside representatives from Honda, JobsOhio, One Columbus and Union County, marks another significant chapter in the company’s nearly 50-year relationship with Ohio.
When additional investments at existing Honda facilities are included, the company’s total new commitment reaches $3.38 billion and 2,390 new jobs.
The proposed factory will become Honda’s fourth automobile plant in Ohio, strengthening the state’s role in vehicle production while expanding the company’s ability to manufacture different types of vehicles.
“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 Governor DeWine. “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.”
New Honda factory expected to produce 240,000 vehicles annually
The planned manufacturing facility will be built between Honda’s existing Marysville and East Liberty automobile plants.
Once operational, the factory is expected to have the capacity to produce approximately 240,000 vehicles each year.
Unlike facilities designed around a single type of vehicle, the new plant will feature flexible production systems capable of handling several vehicle categories and powertrains.
These will include traditional gasoline vehicles, hybrids and battery electric models.
Honda expects production to begin in 2029, although construction and the planned opening remain dependent on final government approvals.
The facility is expected to feature advanced automation, modern production technology and systems that use data to improve manufacturing operations.
Honda Executive Vice President Bob Nelson emphasized the importance of Ohio’s workforce and the company’s long relationship with the state.
“Ohio and its workforce have laid the groundwork that has written some of the most impactful chapters in Honda’s story of growth and innovation,” said Bob Nelson, executive vice president, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “This investment reflects our commitment to building products close to our customers, and our confidence in the people, partners and communities of Ohio.”
Existing engine and transmission plants will also receive major upgrades
Honda’s investment extends beyond construction of the new automobile factory.
The company also plans to expand production capabilities at its Anna Engine Plant and Honda Transmission Plant-Ohio in Russells Point.
At the transmission facility, Honda will make changes to support manufacturing of two next-generation hybrid systems.
These upgrades are expected to increase Ohio’s hybrid system production capacity by 250 percent over the coming years.
The Russells Point facility will also become the lead manufacturing plant for a new hybrid system designed for larger Honda vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Anna Engine Plant will receive upgrades to one of its production lines to manufacture a next-generation four-cylinder engine.
Honda also intends to expand the plant’s existing parts consolidation center.
Together, these improvements are designed to support the company’s changing vehicle lineup and strengthen Ohio’s role in producing both engines and hybrid technology.
Skilled workforce and existing suppliers helped Ohio secure investment
Honda identified several reasons for selecting Central Ohio for its new manufacturing project.
Among the most important were the state’s experienced workforce, established automobile manufacturing facilities and large network of suppliers.
The company also considered the location’s proximity to its vehicle development operations, including Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, the North American Automotive Development Center and the Transportation Research Center.
Another advantage was the L-H Battery Company joint venture, which will have the flexibility to manufacture battery cells for hybrid and fully electric vehicles.
JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef described the announcement as an important development for the state’s automotive industry.
“This latest investment reinforces the state’s position at the forefront of the automotive industry’s future. With the nation’s second-largest auto manufacturing workforce and a robust supplier network at the heart of the North American auto market, Ohio is the ideal destination for Honda’s first greenfield auto assembly facility of this scale in Ohio in more than 35 years,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “Honda isn’t just investing in a new facility. It’s doubling down on our people, our manufacturing strength, and the next generation of workers who will build the future of the automotive industry.”
Jonas Peterson, chief economic development officer and president of One Columbus, also highlighted the region’s ability to support the expansion.
“Honda’s long history in Union County got us to the starting line,” said Jonas Peterson, chief economic development officer and president of One Columbus. “The Region won this investment by demonstrating the skilled workforce, manufacturing know-how, and regional collaboration Honda needs to build its future. The message is unmistakable: the next generation of Honda has a home in the Columbus Region.”
Honda builds on nearly five decades of manufacturing in Ohio
Honda’s history in Ohio began in 1977, when the company announced plans for its first manufacturing facility in the state.
Motorcycle production started in Marysville in 1979 with just 64 associates.
Three years later, in 1982, Honda reached another milestone when its Marysville Auto Plant produced the first Japanese-brand automobile manufactured in the United States.
Over the following decades, the company’s Ohio operations expanded considerably.
Today, Honda employs more than 15,000 associates across the state and has invested more than $15 billion in its Ohio operations.
Its facilities include the Marysville and East Liberty automobile plants, the Performance Manufacturing Center and the Anna Engine Plant, which is Honda’s largest engine manufacturing facility worldwide.
Honda Transmission Plant-Ohio also produces two-motor hybrid systems for American-made vehicles such as the CR-V, Accord and Civic.
Ohio is additionally home to Honda’s largest research and development center outside Japan and the L-H Battery joint venture with LG Energy Solution in Fayette County.
The company’s presence has helped support a large network of automobile suppliers and related businesses.
Honda works with more than 750 original equipment suppliers across North America, including many businesses located throughout Ohio.
State approves tax credit as construction awaits final authorization
The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a tax credit for the project on the morning of the announcement.
Honda also plans to seek additional assistance from JobsOhio. Details of that support will become public after a final agreement is completed.
Construction of the new factory cannot begin until the necessary government approvals are secured.
The expansion comes as Ohio continues to hold a major position in the American automobile industry.
According to the announcement, approximately 100,000 Ohio residents work in the automotive sector.
The state ranks first nationally in engine production and second in transmission manufacturing.
Ohio was also named America’s top state for business in 2026 by CNBC.
Japanese-owned companies have played an important role in the state’s economic development. Since 2013, JobsOhio has helped secure more than 130 projects involving Japanese-owned businesses.
More than 65,000 Ohio residents currently work at Japanese-owned facilities throughout the state.
For Honda, the latest announcement represents a major expansion of its long-standing manufacturing presence in Ohio.
For the state, the planned $3.38 billion investment and 2,390 additional jobs represent an opportunity to expand employment, strengthen existing factories and prepare its automobile industry for future vehicle technologies.
With production targeted for 2029, the project now moves toward the remaining approval and construction stages before the new facility can begin manufacturing vehicles.
