Twenty years ago this month, South Carolina's reputation as a global industry leader grew stronger, as Honda opened an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) advanced manufacturing facility in Florence County. Two decades and more than 3 million ATVs later, it's clear that the partnership between this international company and the Palmetto State has become a great success story.
Since announcing plans to establish operations in South Carolina, Honda has invested more than $400 million in its Florence County plant; and, today, the facility has become one of the county's largest employers, accounting for more than 950 jobs.
More than just a direct economic impact, Honda's globally-recognized brand has helped Team South Carolina solidify and elevate its own brand. Like other industry leaders that have chosen to call our state home, Honda could've established its ATV manufacturing facility anywhere. Yet, they chose South Carolina. And, more importantly, they choose to continue investing in our state. The company's latest expansion -- a $45 million project creating 250 new jobs -- was announced just two years ago.
Moving forward, as South Carolina continues to build on its reputation as a leader in advanced manufacturing, we celebrate companies, like Honda, that blazed a trail in our state. By doing so, they helped us spread the word that South Carolina truly is ‘Just right’ for business.