Honda Pumps $1B into Ohio EV Hub, Adds 1,000+ Jobs in Marysville

Honda Motor Co. announced a $300 million increase to its original $700 million investment in three Ohio manufacturing plants, bringing the total to $1 billion for retooling to produce electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and internal combustion engine vehicles on the same assembly lines.[1] The upgraded facilities include the Marysville Auto Plant in Union County, East Liberty Auto Plant in Union County and Anna Engine Plant in Shelby County, all in central Ohio. Executive Chief Engineer and Honda EV Hub Lead Mike Fischer stated the Ohio operations will serve as the foundation for Honda's EV production across North America and globally.[1] Senior Vice President Jennifer Thomas of Honda's U.S. unit noted the flexible lines will allow quick adaptation to customer demand shifts.[1] Complementing the plant upgrades, Honda and LG Energy Solutions committed $3.5 billion to a joint venture battery plant in Fayette County, southeast of Columbus, pushing Honda's total Ohio EV hub investment to $4.4 billion.[1][2] The facility will produce lithium-ion pouch-type batteries with 40 GWh annual capacity, starting mass production by late 2025, and create 2,200 jobs drawing workers from Appalachian regions and near Ohio's major metros.[1][3] Construction began ahead of schedule, with battery module output projected by year's end.[1] The expansion builds on Honda's 45-year Ohio legacy, marked by its first U.S. plant announcement on Oct. 11, 1977, in Marysville.[2] Initial plans in 2022 promised over 300 jobs from the $700 million retooling, but revisions have swelled employment gains past 1,000 when including battery plant roles.[1][2] Honda EVs based on its e:Architecture will roll out from Marysville and East Liberty starting in 2026, with batteries assembled onsite using Anna Engine Plant cases and Fayette modules.[2] Bob Nelson, executive vice president of American Honda, called it a course for an electrified future lasting 40 years.[3]