Timmonsville, SC (6/21/2013) - South
Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley joined more than 900
associates and guests at Honda of South Carolina
Mfg., Inc. (HSC) today to celebrate the production
start-up of the all-new line of Honda's next
generation side-by-side (multi-utility vehicle),
the 2014 Pioneer™. HSC is investing $27
million in the Timmonsville plant over the next
four years and has added more than 65 new jobs
for side-by-side production, which HSC is manufacturing
for the first time.
|
Honda
of South Carolina Begins production of
the all-new Honda Pioneer SxS / UTV |
"Today, we celebrate a new South Carolina-made
vehicle, powered by the passion and the pride
of all Honda associates who are committed to
exceeding the expectations of our Honda Powersports
customers," said Brian Newman, president
of HSC.
In addition to being manufactured in South
Carolina, Newman said the new Pioneer was designed
and engineered by Honda's R&D operations
in the U.S.
In addition to the production start-up for
the new side-by-side product line, HSC is celebrating
its 15th Anniversary (July 1, 2013) of producing
Honda powersports products. To commemorate this
company milestone, HSC is donating $100,000
to Francis Marion University to assist in the
development of a Bachelor of Science in Industrial
Engineering Program which will begin in the
spring of 2014.
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.
Now, a 535,000 square foot facility employing
650 associates with a cumulative investment
of $308 million, HSC has produced* nine different
ATV models since its start in 1998, including
the FourTrax and SporTrax series, and seven
different engines.
"The university is grateful to Honda of
South Carolina for their generous support of
our new Industrial Engineering program,"
said Fred Carter, president of Francis Marion
University. "Over the last fifteen years,
Honda has been a very supportive corporate friend
and partner. Their latest gift is yet another
example of their commitment to Francis Marion
and the Pee Dee area. Their benevolence continues
to make a significant difference in the lives
of our students."
"We congratulate Honda of South Carolina
in their new Honda side-by-side production accomplishment,"
said Gov. Nikki Haley. "We are also excited
that Honda has chosen to create more jobs in
Timmonsville and bring a more than $27 Million
investment opportunity to the state of South
Carolina. When a world-class company like Honda
increases its footprint in the Pee Dee region,
it shows that South Carolina is a great place
to do business."
About the Honda
Pioneer™
The 2014 Honda Pioneer™ models set the
standard as the ultimate in hard-working, hard-playing
side-by-sides. Both Pioneer models have been
designed to fulfill the needs of those who use
a side-by-side for either recreation or utility
with quick acceleration, a smooth-riding long-travel
suspension and industry-leading safety features.
The Pioneer 700 offers all of these features
for an incredible value, while the Pioneer 700-4
boasts an innovative convertible design that
allows the two rear seats to fold into the bed
- a feature that gives it unmatched versatility.
These workhorse machines can also be customized
through a full line of more than 50 Honda Genuine
Accessories/Honda Signature Accessories. Available
colors: Honda Phantom Camo, Olive, Red. Price:
TBD. Availability: September 2013.
*Using domestic and globally sourced parts
About Honda of South
Carolina Mfg., Inc.
With the flexibility to produce many powersports
products, associates at the Timmonsville plant
currently manufacture Honda ATVs for the North
American market as well as for export to global
markets. HSC also is the exclusive North American
production site for all utility models. Honda
also has established R&D and engineering
operations in Timmonsville, as well as Honda's
export handling operations in South Carolina,
and a parts consolidation center and other operations
that support product development, manufacturing
and sales in North America.
About Honda Operations
in North America
Honda operates 14 manufacturing facilities in
North America that produce a wide range of products,
including automobiles, light trucks, engines
and automatic transmissions, as well as all-terrain
vehicles and power equipment products such as
lawn mowers, mini-tillers, and general-purpose
engines. Honda also operates major research
and development centers in the U.S. that fully
design, develop and engineer many of the products
produced in North America, including ATVs and
side-by-sides.
About Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is the sole distributor
of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, MUVs and
personal watercraft in the U.S. American Honda’s
Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing
and operational activities for these products
through authorized Honda dealers. For more information
on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.
