Honda’s new plant opened in Thailand

Honda Motor Co.‘s Thailand unit formally opened a new assembly and engine plant around 120 km northeast of Bangkok.

Building of the plant at the Rojana Industrial Park started in 2013, with the automaker investing 17.15 billion baht ($485 million). It will have a maximum production capacity of 120,000 cars annually and hire some 1,400 individuals.

Honda (Thailand)’s Chief Operating Officer Pitak Pruittisarikorn stated the brand-new plant in Prachinburi province will permit production in Thailand to reach 420,000 units each year.

He stated advanced technology from Honda’s assembly plant in Yorii, Saitama Prefecture, was integrated into the brand-new Thai center, helping to reduce production and decrease the environmental impact.

The new plant started producing engine parts in February, followed by mass production of the current Civic sedan. However majority of its production is still based at its plant in Ayutthaya province.

Honda relocated to develop its production base upon higher ground in Prachinburi after devastating floods in 2011 required the momentary closure of its Ayutthaya plant.

The launch was participated in by Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and Japanese Ambassador to Thailand Shiro Sadoshima together with Honda executives.