Associate production
Associate production
Honda of South Carolina Manufacturing (HSC) recently produced its 500,000th all-terrain vehicle (ATV), less than three and a half years since the first Honda FourTrax ATV rolled off the assembly line in mid-1998. "This half millionth ATV belongs not only to Honda of South Carolina," said HSC President Hideki Ikegawa. "It is also a milestone that has been accomplished through the combined efforts of our associates, our suppliers and the community."Since production began in 1998, HSC's workforce has grown from 200 to more than 1,500 associates. The number of ATVs produced has expanded from two to the current roster of eight models. Engine production has been added and the annual capacity is now 240,000 ATVs. HSC is also producing for a global market,exporting ATVs to countries including Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. HSC production processes now include high- and low-pressure die-casting, machining,engine assembly; welding; frame assembly; painting; plastic injection molding and dynamic testing. In addition, HSC has begun playing an important support role within Honda's north American operations by providing key ATV components– including engines, fuel tanks, differentials and swing arms – to Honda's Ohio motorcycle plant for ATV assembly there. Honda is the world's largest producer of engines, with more than 11 million customers globally in 2000 for its diverse line-up of automobiles, motorcycles, power products and ATVs.
