Honda, what are we fighting for?

Jim Cummings and Chris Della Rocco

June 03, 2006 07:32 am

— The passion which has driven many local residents to court Honda into coming to Decatur County has been evident.
Rallies, letter writing campaigns and just an outpouring of support is all around. Now, it’s time to see what those cities who’ve landed a Honda facility think of their Japanese neighbor.
In 1982, Honda became the first Japanese manufacturer to produce autos in North America. Today, Honda has the capacity to build more than 1.4 million automobiles annually in North America. Nearly 75 percent of Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. are manufactured at Honda plants in North America.
Honda currently builds autos, light trucks, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, personal water crafts, auto and cycle engines transmissions and power products including lawn mowers in the U.S and Canada.
In nearby Ohio, Honda has 60 percent of its domestic workforce. Ohio is also considered the other front runner for the assembly plant Decatur County is vying for. However, the auto manufacturer’s presence has had a significant impact nationwide.
Lew Watson has been the Mayor of Lincoln, Ala., for 30 years. Honda operates an automotive and engine plant in the city of 4, 836 people. It began operations in 2001 with a total investment of $1.27 billion.
“It’s been wonderful having Honda in their area. It has also been a huge boost in the community’s economy,” he said. “ The benefits of having Honda are un-imaginable. Honda is very community orientated.”
Watson said they are a good neighbor as well.
“A major tornado hit the area of Lincoln damaging a lot of businesses and houses. Honda gave a lot of money to the local Red Cross to help with the rebuilding of the town,” Watson was pleased to report .
Since Honda arrived, property values have been on the rise as well as the population. Lincoln used to be just a bedroom town for larger cities in the area, but is now starting to establish itself. New subdivisions are going up and other businesses are taking a look in the area also.
“For a city that is aggressive looking to grow and progress, Honda is the perfect company for your area,” Watson confidently said. “Honda also relies a lot on local businesses to keep their plant running. Local businesses are needed for anything from landscaping to roofing. Honda is also very upfront with the town to make sure everyone knows and understands how Honda will play a roll in the community.”
Watson wasn’t the only one with that opinion. The residents and officials of Timmonsville, S.C., where Honda operates a PWC plant. It’s the only one in the world and was established in 2002. Timmonsville is home to 2,317 residents and was gifted with the creation of 1,600 Honda associates’ positions and an investment of $111 million.
Mayor James Beard Jr., has been in office just three months but knows he likes Honda.
“I’m glad they’re here to provide jobs in the town and community,” he said. “Honda provides grants for town projects such as a bike trail and other recreational projects. They also help out the local schools. It’s been a great boost for our economy.”
Dora Lee has been secretary of the Commissioner’s office for 22 years. She said that Honda has been the best neighbors anyone could ask for.
“Honda really cares about the community as a whole. They have generously donated around $250,000 for the school district and another $250,000 for recreational projects,” she said. “Their plant is beautiful and well maintained. I wish there were more industries like them coming to our town.”
K.G. Rusty Smith Jr., County Council Chairman of Florence County (S.C.) continued the gushing over Honda.
“They’ve been wonderful citizens of the county and it’s a pleasure meeting and getting to know the corporation,” Smith said. “There have been other Blue Chip companies in the area but none like Honda.”
According to Smith, Honda really loves the hometown feeling.
“Everyone also enjoys working for them and they offer great benefits for employees,” he said.
Everyone interviewed also said many of the things Decatur County has been doing to attract Honda will pay off in the end. They all feel there is nothing like the personal approach. Watson and all of the officials encouraged the citizens to get behind the project and keep up the public displays of support.
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