Timmonsville, SC - South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley joined
more than 900 associates and guests at Honda of South Carolina Mfg., Inc. (HSC)
today to celebrate the production start-up of the all-new line of Honda's next
generation side-by-side (multi-utility vehicle), the 2014 Pioneer. HSC is
investing $27 million in the Timmonsville plant over the next four years and has
added more than 65 new jobs for side-by-side production, which HSC is
manufacturing for the first time.
"Today, we celebrate a new South Carolina-made vehicle,
powered by the passion and the pride of all Honda associates who are committed
to exceeding the expectations of our Honda Powersports customers," Brian
Newman, president of HSC, said.
In addition to being manufactured in South
Carolina, Newman said the new Pioneer was designed and engineered
by Honda's R&D operations in the U.S.
In addition to the production start-up for the new
side-by-side product line, HSC is celebrating its 15th anniversary (July 1,
2013) of producing Honda powersports products.
To commemorate this company milestone, HSC is donating
$100,000 to Francis
Marion University
to assist in the development of a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
Program which will begin in the spring of 2014.
HSC began production of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
in July 1998 with a workforce of approximately 200 associates. The initial $30
million, 200,000 square foot ATV manufacturing plant was the beginning of Honda
of South Carolina's significant growth in Florence County.
In fall 2000, operations expanded to add engine production to the plant. Now, a
535,000 square foot facility employing 650 associates with a cumulative
investment of $308 million, HSC has produced nine different ATV models since
its start in 1998, including the FourTrax and SporTrax series, and seven
different engines.
"The university is grateful to Honda of South
Carolina for their generous support of our new Industrial Engineering
program," Fred Carter, president of Francis Marion
University, said.
"Over the last fifteen years, Honda has been a very supportive corporate
friend and partner. Their latest gift is yet another example of their
commitment to Francis Marion and the Pee Dee
area. Their benevolence continues to make a significant difference in the lives
of our students."
"We congratulate Honda of South Carolina in
their new Honda side-by-side production accomplishment," South Carolina Gov.
Nikki Haley said. "We are also excited that Honda has chosen to create
more jobs in Timmonsville and bring a more than $27 Million investment
opportunity to the state of South
Carolina. When a world-class company like Honda increases
its footprint in the Pee Dee region, it shows that South Carolina is a great place to do
business."
About the Honda Pioneer
The 2014 Honda Pioneer models set the standard as
the ultimate in hard-working, hard-playing side-by-sides. Both Pioneer models
have been designed to fulfill the needs of those who use a side-by-side for
either recreation or utility with quick acceleration, a smooth-riding
long-travel suspension and industry-leading safety features. The Pioneer
700 offers all of these features for an incredible value, while the Pioneer
700-4 boasts an innovative convertible design that allows the two rear seats to
fold into the bed--a feature that gives it unmatched versatility. These
workhorse machines can also be customized through a full line of more than 50
Honda Genuine Accessories/Honda Signature Accessories. Available colors: Honda
Phantom Camo, Olive, Red. Price: TBD. Availability: September 2013.