New Honda Engine Plant Drives Green Jobs in Ontario

TORONTO, ONT. Oct. 1, 2008 - A new engine plant is giving Ontario's green economy a boost. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty joined executives from Honda Canada Inc., to officially open the company's new plant in Alliston on September 25.

This is the third manufacturing facility to be opened at this site. It will produce approximately 200,000 fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines per year for the Honda Civic model, and employ about 340 workers. Production at the new facility began on September 15, 2008.

In 2006, the Ontario government pledged ten per cent of the company's $154 million investment to build the 310,300 square foot plant. Helping manufacturers be more competitive is part of the government's five-point plan for the economy.

“I want to thank Honda for its continued confidence in Ontario's highly skilled workforce. We will continue to partner with industry to support high-quality jobs for Ontario families, attract more investment and stay competitive in the global economy,” said Premier McGuinty.

“The auto sector is vital to Ontario's economy. As part of our five-point plan to strengthen Ontario's economy we are aggressively pursuing new automotive investment to keep and create jobs for Ontario,” said Minister of International Trade and Investment, Sandra Pupatello.

Quick Facts

• A total of 4,600 Ontarians work for Honda in Alliston.
• The Alliston-produced engines will be made from 100 per cent recycled aluminium.
• The Honda Civic has been the most popular car in Canada for the last ten years.