Honda of North America officials announced Thursday that it will extend the production suspension previously announced for all automobile, engine and transmission plants in the U.S. and Canada, with production suspended for five additional days and operations to resume Tuesday, April 7.
During this time, the company will continue to provide opportunities for associates to be paid including providing full pay for some non-production days and pulling ahead vacation for others.
The closure effects each of the local Honda facilities — the Marysville and East Liberty auto plants, the Performance Manufacturing Center at Marysville, Honda Transmission Mfg. at Russells Point and the Anna Engine Plant. The previous production suspension announced last week was from March 23 through March 30, with a return date of March 31.
“This extension is in response to the continued steep decline in market demand across the automotive industry due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, resulting in the inability of consumers in many markets to purchase new vehicles,” officials said in a release issued Thursday morning.
Also during the next week, the company will utilize this time to continue deep cleaning of its production facilities and common areas to further protect associates upon their return to the plants.
In undertaking this production adjustment, Honda is continuing to manage its business carefully through a measured approach to sales that aligns production with market demand, representatives said. As the market impact of the fast-changing COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, the company will evaluate conditions and make additional adjustments as necessary.