Honda’s Anna Engine Plant in Ohio marks a significant milestone, commemorating four decades of engine manufacturing. What began as a modest factory focused on motorcycle engines in the mid-1980s has blossomed into Honda's preeminent engine production hub worldwide. As the automotive industry increasingly embraces hybrid and electric propulsion, epitomized by new models like the hybrid Prelude, the Anna facility is dynamically adapting to these evolving demands, ensuring its continued relevance in the future of automotive technology.
Over its distinguished 40-year history, the Anna Engine Plant has delivered an astounding 32.5 million engines, ranging from efficient four-cylinder units for popular vehicles such as the Civic, Accord, CR-V, and Acura Integra, to high-performance V6 powerplants found in Acura's sportier offerings, including the powerful 500-horsepower twin-turbo V6 for the second-generation Acura NSX supercar. From its humble beginnings as a 200,000-square-foot facility with fewer than 100 employees, it has expanded exponentially to cover 2.8 million square feet and support a workforce of nearly 3,000 individuals. The plant's current output spans a diverse array of four-cylinder and V6 engines, including both turbocharged and hybrid variants, alongside critical components such as cylinder heads, camshafts, crankshafts, and the precision pulleys integral to Honda's continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).
Looking ahead, while internal combustion and hybrid engines remain central to its operations, the Anna plant is actively preparing for Honda's electrified future. It has initiated the production of aluminum battery cases for upcoming electric vehicles, leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques such as megacasting, Minimum Quantity Lubrication machining, and friction stir welding. These innovative battery cases will be transported to the Marysville Auto Plant, where they will be integrated with battery modules to power the next generation of Honda and Acura electric vehicles, including the highly anticipated Honda Prologue. With full EV production slated to commence in Ohio by 2026, the Anna Engine Plant, fortified by its four decades of expertise and pivotal contributions, continues to be an indispensable driver of Honda’s ongoing evolution.
The longevity and adaptability of Honda's Anna Engine Plant underscore the importance of forward-thinking and continuous innovation in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Its journey from conventional engine production to embracing electric vehicle components demonstrates a commitment to progress and a willingness to reinvent itself to meet future challenges. This unwavering dedication ensures not only the plant's sustained success but also contributes significantly to a greener, more sustainable automotive future, benefiting society as a whole through cleaner transportation solutions.