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In Ohio, Honda will reduce output by about 6,000 units at its plants in Marysville and East Liberty by canceling production on December 22 and 23.
The move will extend the automakers annual holiday shutdown to a full two weeks. Along with the two auto plants, the engine plant in Anna and motorcycle plant in Marysville will also halt production those days.
Honda spokesperson Ron Lietzke said workers will have the option to cover the two days with vacation, take the days off without pay or report for nonproduction activities such as training.
“The current downturn in customer demand for motor vehicles has created a very serious situation for all automakers including Honda in North America,” Lietzke said, reading from a prepared statement. “Honda is using its plant flexibility to help manage production in the current market environment and will continue make adjustments as necessary to maintain appropriate inventory levels.”
In Alabama, Honda will eliminate the production of 12,000 units through the end of the first quarter next year. The move comes in addition to reductions announced earlier. Lietzke said the plant will go from 1,300 units per day to 1,150 units per day in January and February, then down to 1,000 units per day in March.
No workers will be laid off in Ohio or Alabama.
Honda of America Mfg. employs more than 12,000 in Ohio at four plants and automotive support functions. Add about 3,000 to that when including the large R&D center, transmission plant and other operations. Honda employs 4,500 in Alabama.
In addition to its direct employment impact, Honda’s North America operations spend more than $6 billion a year at about than 150 vendors in the state of Ohio, according to the company.