Honda of SC reveals new vehicle, announces job growth
Honda Manufacturing of South Carolina announced 44 new jobs at its Timmonsville plant as part of the production start-up of the new 2016 Pioneer 1000 side-by-side all-terrain vehicle.
Top Honda executives said the new product line came with a $42 million initial investment, bringing the international company’s total investment in South Carolina to $344 million.
South Carolina Lt. Governor Henry McMaster attended the announcement ceremony and had a chance to look at the new vehicle up close. He said he’s impressed by both the quality and quantity of products Honda puts out every day.
“Honda is not only doing well, they’re expanding in the state,” McMaster said. “Companies like this have everything they need right here in South Carolina and when they come here they bring more industry with them.”
McMaster said he sees South Carolina outpacing other states in the country through economic development and financial prosperity because such major companies as Honda have made the state a permanent location.
“I’ve always said it’s because of our great people, universities, great technical college system, great courts and state laws that allow businesses to expand,” McMaster said.
Some of the biggest and best international companies are coming to South Carolina. This provides great growth and security for families in our state.
South Carolina Lt. Governor Henry McMaster
Honda of South Carolina President Brian Newman said Florence County plays an integral role in the company’s North American production output.
“This 1000 series is where the market demand is right now, and we couldn’t be happier about launching it here in Timmonsville,” Newman said. “This is the year for Honda. We have a lot of big things happening.”
Florence County Economic Development Partnership Chairman Frank J. "Buddy" Brand welcomed the news.
"We share Honda's excitement as they announce these innovative new Pioneers,” Brand said. “What great news that they will be adding 44 new jobs as part of their $42 million investment.”
Honda of North America President Takuji Yamada spoke to the several hundred Honda employees in attendance and praised them for putting in the work to make the company what it is today.
“The ultimate heritage of any company is its people,” he said. “The products that you are building in the Palmetto State will set new benchmarks for our industry in the future. You’re making the Honda dream a reality.”
The Pioneer 1000 boasts a 999cc twin-cylinder Unicam engine and a fully automatic, six-speed, dual clutch transmission. Honda of South Carolina makes the vehicle in both three- and five-seat models, and is set to hit stores by October of this year.
In addition to the start of production announcement, Honda announced the donation of a Pioneer 700 and a Pioneer 1000 to the South Carolina State Parks Department for use in wildlife conservation.