Illustrating how quickly things can change in the COVID-19 pandemic, news outlets reported March 17 that Honda Manufacturing of Alabama planned to continue normal operations in Lincoln, Alabama “for now.”
“For now” turned out to be just hours, as Honda Motor Co.’s global news site announced March 18 the company would adjust production at all of its automobile production plants in North America, including the U.S., Canada and Mexico, due to an expected drop in sales.
Honda said it will suspend production for six days beginning March 23, with current plans to return to production on Tuesday, March 31. Honda transmission and engine plants in North America that serve Honda auto plants also will suspend production for the same time period.
The automaker will reduce production by approximately 40,000 vehicles during these six days. The company said it would continue to evaluate conditions and make additional adjustments as necessary.
Honda will continue full pay for all of its associates. Approximately 27,600 Honda associates in North America will be affected by this temporary suspension of production. In addition, Honda will utilize this time to continue deep cleaning of its production facilities and common areas to further protect associates upon their return to the plants.
This production adjustment also will allow Honda associates to better prepare and adjust family plans in relation to regional directives to close schools to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This will enable working parents to determine how best to manage the needs of children staying home from school and other required lifestyle adjustments.
The affected auto plants include:
- Marysville (Ohio) Auto Plant
- East Liberty (Ohio) Auto Plant
- Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio
- Honda Manufacturing of Indiana
- Honda Manufacturing of Alabama
- Honda of Canada Mfg. – Plants 1 & 2
- Honda de Mexico – Celaya Auto Plant
The affected powertrain plants include:
- Honda Transmission Manufacturing of America (Ohio)
- Honda of America Mfg. Anna Engine Plant (Ohio)
- Honda Precision Parts of Georgia (Georgia)
- Honda of Canada Mfg. Engine Plant (Canada)
- Honda de Mexico – Celaya Transmission Plant (Mexico)
