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Former Governor James A. Rhodes and Honda Commemorate Decision to Locate in Ohio

8 October 1997

Former Governor James A. Rhodes and Honda Associates Commemorate 20th Anniversary of Honda's Decision to Locate in Ohio

    MARYSVILLE, Ohio, Oct. 8 -- Honda of America Manufacturing
associates welcomed former Governor James A. Rhodes today to commemorate the
20th anniversary of Honda's decision to build its first Ohio manufacturing
facility, a motorcycle plant in Marysville, Ohio.
    In October 1977, Governor Rhodes and Honda officials participated in a
joint news conference to announce Honda's decision to locate its United States
manufacturing operations in Ohio.  Plans were announced for construction of a
$35 million motorcycle plant that would initially employ 64 associates.  The
plant was a major first step toward building the auto and engine manufacturing
plants that revolutionized the global motor vehicle industry.
    "Twenty years ago, our company made a momentous decision -- to begin
building our products in Ohio.  There were many reasons Honda chose Ohio, but
no factor was more important than the commitment and cooperative spirit of
Governor Rhodes and his administration," said Takeo Fukui, President of Honda
of America Mfg.  "We are pleased to honor him for his important role in the
success of our team."
    Governor Rhodes praised Honda for its positive impact on Ohio's economy.
"No finer company could have come to Ohio," said Rhodes.  "Honda has brought
jobs and progress to this great state.  Looking back 20 years, it is
fulfilling to see thousands of Ohioans building some of the best motor
vehicles in the world."
    Today, Honda operates four plants in Ohio, building automobiles, engines,
motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles.  Honda's Ohio operations have reached
nearly $3.5 billion in investment and 13,000 manufacturing jobs, as well as
major commitments to engineering and research and development.
    To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the announcement, Governor Rhodes
toured the Marysville Motorcycle and the Marysville Auto Plants and joined
Honda associates in planting a tree as a symbolic expression of the 20-year
relationship between Ohio and Honda.

SOURCE  Honda of America Manufacturing

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