State of Alabama and Honda Dedicate and Name Training Center Today

    LINCOLN, Ala., April 17 Today, the State of Alabama and
Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC (HMA) held the dedication and naming
ceremony for the training center located in Lincoln, Alabama.
    The event, hosted by the State of Alabama and HMA, began with greetings
from Ed Castile, Director of Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT)
and a warm welcoming from Lew Watson, Mayor of Lincoln.  In his greetings, Ed
Castile, Director of Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT),
stated, "Honda has been a great partner with the State and especially
with AIDT.  Together we are building a highly skilled, capable Alabama
workforce."
    Jim Hayes, Senior Advisor to Governor Don Siegelman, unveiled the name
of the training center, Talladega County Industrial Development Center,
to governmental, economic and community officials.  "The goal in naming
the center was to tie it to the area and its larger purpose -- growth and
development through learning," said Jim Hayes.
    Mikio Yoshimi, President and CEO of HMA, thanked the State for providing
the training center that he called "simple in design, yet extremely
flexible and functional."  Mr. Yoshimi also shared his vision, saying,
"Honda hopes the center will be a catalyst that ignites the dreams of
our associates and others who will use the center in the months and
years ahead.  Certainly the center will aid Honda Manufacturing of
Alabama in producing world-class associates who will build world-class
vehicles and engines," he added.
    Books donated by HMA associates were given to the Talladega County
Schools' libraries, highlighting the program's theme, A Partnership For
Learning.  "We are very pleased that Honda associates chose to
demonstrate their commitment to the community by assisting with our
educational resource needs.  These books were on our wish list for all
three of the Lincoln Schools," said Dr. Peggy Connell, Superintendent,
Talladega County schools.
    The center was opened to the public for tours later in the afternoon.
    The training center has been in use since November 2000.  At 62,500
square feet, the center is primarily used to train HMA process and
equipment service associates on a variety of manufacturing processes
related to building vehicles and engines.
    Honda broke ground on its new manufacturing plant in April of 2000 and
plans to move into its facility sometime this summer.  Honda will begin
producing the Odyssey minivan by the end of this year.  HMA began hiring
hourly production and equipment/service associates in November of last
year.  At full capacity, HMA will produce 120,000 Odysseys and 120,000
engines.