The first new Honda Civic rolls off the production line this morning at their
Swindon Plant
Honda today celebrated the start of the mass production of the New Civic as normal production resumes at its Swindon car plant. The plant has been running at a reduced capacity following a shortage of parts caused by the floods in Thailand earlier in the year.
Honda, which currently employs 3000 people in Swindon, also announced the creation of 500 new jobs in Swindon to meet a forecasted production increase in 2012. Car Plant 2 will return to a two shift operation in the late Spring of next year, creating a need for the new jobs. Recruitment will start immediately through their dedicated website www.hondamanufacturingcareers.co.uk.
Speaking at today’s ceremony, Honda Motor Europe President Manabu Nishimae said Honda remained totally committed to building cars and engines in Europe with Swindon at the heart of Honda's European manufacturing activities and this is further demonstrated today with the launch of the New Civic. He added that Honda in Europe had turned a corner with a significant production increase expected in 2012.
During his speech to Honda Associates, Honda Motor Europe President Mr Nishimae acknowledged the workforces’ resilience, "The last three years have been extremely difficult for all of Honda's European operations. We have faced many challenges beginning with the economic downturn through to the two natural disasters in Japan and Thailand. Throughout this period Associates have remained committed and I am extremely proud of how they have responded to these challenges. We will build upon our new found strength and remain confident of our ability to achieve and succeed in the future."
Commenting on Honda’s announcement, Prime Minister David Cameron said, "This is great news and a tremendous boost to the workforce, the car industry and UK manufacturing. Honda is contributing to a real renaissance in the UK automotive industry, we have a highly skilled workforce and we continue to be at the forefront of new technology and development. Its success is of great importance to our economy and we are committed to do all that we can to see this vital industry grow and thrive."
Business Minister Mark Prisk added, "Today's announcement of the creation of 500 new jobs on the day that production started on the next generation of the Civic hatchback is a clear demonstration of Honda's continued commitment to the UK.
"It is a huge vote of confidence in the skills of the Swindon workforce and the current strength of the automotive sector. The decision reinforces the message that the UK remains a great place to manufacture high quality products."
North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson MP said “Today is a great day for Honda in Swindon. It is good to see the plant return to full production and to see the arrival of the new Civic following the disruption caused by the terrible floods in Thailand earlier in the year. The announcement of 500 new jobs is a fantastic boost to Swindon’s economy and I welcome the confidence that this shows in both the UK manufacturing industry and in Swindon’s workforce.”
Adding to the new Civic and the already successful Jazz, next year will see the mass production launch of the new European CR-V along with the production introduction of a small diesel engine also to be produced at Swindon. Production volume of cars for 2012 is forecast to double to 180,000 units.