Honda of South Carolina to stop production for three months

Quality Inspector Corinthian Thomas tests an ATV as part of the Honda 10th Anniversary Open House held at the plant on July 12, 2008.

By: | SCNOW
Published: January 12, 2009

Honda of South Carolina will stop production during the months of March, April and May, because of the country’s weakening economy.

Jeff Helton, Honda’s assistant vice president for support services, said production at the Timmonsville-based plant is being affected by the current economic conditions.

Helton said the company will not lay off its associates or close the facility during that time.

“Our goal is to be ready when the market conditions do turn back around,” Helton said. “When that happens, we want to be ready to go.

“We don’t want to see our associates leave here,” he said. “If the market conditions change, we will start producing a product right away. At this point in time, the market conditions are not favorable.

“If conditions change, we will look at what we can do to get our product to the customer,” he said. “Our goal is to supply our customers with a quality product, at reasonable price.”

Helton said the company has offered voluntary separation packages.

“We did offer a special voluntary separation opportunity for our associates,” he said. “This program provides associates with the opportunity to leave Honda earlier than traditional retirement age to pursue a different career path or interest. This is strictly voluntary.”

Helton said associates were notified in December of the company’s plans to stop production in March. Associates were notified Monday morning that production also would be stopped for April and May.
Helton said associates will continue to come to work for training activities and other work-related duties.

Honda is the manufacturer of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and personal watercrafts, according to the company’s Web site, http://world.honda.com/HondaSouthCarolinaMfg/.

By the end of 2000, the plant began constructing engines and providing key ATV components engines, fuel tanks, differentials and swing arms to Honda’s Ohio motorcycle plant. It introduced aluminum wheel production in 2004.

In 2008, the plant employed about 1,500 people.