Honda manufacturing plants in Alabama, South Carolina and Ohio are celebrating National Manufacturing Day by hosting its first-ever virtual manufacturing experience for students and teachers.
Marking its 10th annual Manufacturing Day event, typically the day’s activities included plant tours, presentations and problem-solving simulations for students from high schools, STEM academies, technical centers and two- and four-year colleges. This year, Honda team members had to get creative in devising a compelling virtual Manufacturing Day event.
More than 80 schools were invited to take part in the company’s virtual activities, which span from a live question-and-answer session to activities designed to mirror the problem-solving that takes place every day in the manufacturing setting. In addition, the company shared the popular EdHeads manufacturing video game with the schools. The game, which was created with Honda’s support in 2015, provides players with a number of manufacturing-based challenges to solve. During all of the day’s activities, students will learn about the innovative processes Honda uses in its facilities to produce products ranging from automobiles to aircraft.
“Honda has been a true industry leader in helping to build the modern manufacturing workforce,” said Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers and chairman of the board of the Manufacturing Institute. “From its commitment to MFG Day to its historic investment in our Creators Wanted campaign, Honda is showing students, parents and educators the extraordinary opportunities available in our high-tech industry.”
Rick Schostek, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co. Inc., said, “The future success of Honda, and society as a whole, relies on developing the next generation of people who are passionate about making and building things. Manufacturing Day is a great opportunity to shine a light on our industry, showcase our commitment to the next generation workforce and let society know about the outstanding careers and opportunities that exist in manufacturing.”
The plants participating in the Manufacturing Day activities are Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, Honda of South Carolina Manufacturing, Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, Honda Transmission Manufacturing of America, and Honda of America Manufacturing (Anna Engine Plant, East Liberty Auto Plant and Marysville Auto Plant).
Honda has one of the most diverse U.S. manufacturing footprints of any international company in the United States, employing nearly 23,000 associates at 12 plants with the annual capacity to produce more than 1.2 million automobiles, 3.5 million engines, 500,000 power equipment products and 300,000 powersports products, as well as the HondaJet advanced light jet and GE Honda HF120 turbofan engines.
