Honda, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary of assembling cars in Canada, has committed to continue to doing so for years to come.

The Japanese automaker announced a major investment at the Honda of Canada Mfg. facility in Alliston, Ont., which today builds the Honda Civic sedan and CR-V sport utility vehicle.

A large focus of the investment is to meet the growing demand for hybrid-powered vehicles in North America.

Honda will spend $166 million for capital upgrades and to retool the Alliston facility to support the production of the next-generation hybrid and gasoline-powered vehicles, as well as to reintroduce engine manufacturing at the plant.

This is part of a larger commitment of $867 million that includes future planned investments and related expenses. Honda also plans to enhance quality, efficiency and manufacturing flexibility.

“For 40 years, Honda associates in Alliston have demonstrated the skill, innovation and commitment that have made our Canadian operations a cornerstone of Honda’s manufacturing network in North America,” said Dave Jamieson, president and CEO of Honda Canada Inc., in a news release

“This renewed investment reinforces Canada’s critical role in Honda’s North American growth and hybrid-electric vehicle strategy and helps position our operations for long-term competitiveness and future opportunities. It reflects the dedication of our more than 4,000 associates and will generate lasting benefits for our suppliers, local communities and the broader Canadian economy. Together with the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario, we are investing in the future of Canadian manufacturing and creating a foundation for continued growth, innovation and opportunity for generations to come.”

Honda said the investment will support the plant’s current workforce of more than 4,000 employees.

The automaker plans to introduce 15 new Honda and Acura hybrid-powered vehicles globally by 2030. The company is also investing in its manufacturing facilities in Ohio, Alabama and Georgia.

Ottawa, Ontario supporting Honda

The federal government said it is providing $313 million toward the broader $867-million project.

“This investment will strengthen our automotive supply chains, support thousands of well-paying jobs in Ontario and across the country, and help build a strong Canadian auto sector where workers build the cars of the future,” federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said in the release.

Ontario is providing $156 million toward Honda’s broader project.

“Ontario has long stood at the forefront of global auto manufacturing, and in the face of uncertainty, our government is taking dedicated actions to protect our world-class workers and sustain this vital industry,” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s minister of economic development, job creation and trade, in the release.

More information about the Alliston facility is available on the Honda of Canada Mfg. website.

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