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Honda Celebrates 40 Years Of Engine Production At Anna Plant, Emphasising Flexible Manufacturing And EV Future
The Anna Engine Plant (AEP), the world's largest Honda auto engine facility, celebrated its 40th anniversary on July 22. Since its inception in 1985, AEP has expanded significantly, now covering over 2.8 million square feet and employing 2,900 people. The plant has produced more than 32.5 million engines, including those for automobiles and powersports products, as well as various powertrain components.
Initially starting with motorcycle engines, AEP began producing auto engines in 1986 with a four-cylinder engine for the Honda Civic. Today, it manufactures a range of V6 and inline four-cylinder engines, including turbocharged models. Notable engines include the 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine for hybrid models like the Accord and CR-V and the powerful 500 hp 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 for the Acura NSX.
AEP is a key part of Honda's EV Hub in Ohio, which includes three production facilities advancing flexible manufacturing concepts. This approach allows the plant to produce internal combustion engines (ICE), hybrid powertrains, and electric motors on shared production lines using both domestic and global parts.
Michael Tinch, plant lead at AEP, stated: "Everything that Honda has accomplished at the Anna Engine Plant during the past 40 years has been achieved through the skills and commitment of our associates and this will continue as we pursue an expanded form of flexible manufacturing in the future."
Honda is investing heavily in its Ohio facilities to prepare for electric vehicle (EV) production. This includes over $1 billion to re-tool existing plants and $3.5 billion with LG Energy Solution to establish an EV battery plant in Fayette County. AEP plays a crucial role by producing aluminum EV battery cases using advanced processes like megacasting and friction stir welding.
The EV battery cases from AEP will be sent to Marysville Auto Plant starting in 2026 to be combined with battery modules for Honda and Acura EVs manufactured at Marysville and East Liberty Auto Plants.
Ohio's Role in Honda Manufacturing
Honda's presence in Ohio dates back over four decades, beginning with motorcycle production in Marysville in 1979. Today, Ohio hosts five Honda manufacturing facilities employing over 12,000 people with a total capital investment of $13 billion. These facilities can produce up to 460,000 vehicles annually along with engines and transmissions.
In recent years, Honda has invested more than $1.4 billion into modernizing these facilities to enhance quality and efficiency for both Honda and Acura customers globally.
AEP's operations encompass ferrous casting, high-pressure die-casting, machining, heat treating, and assembly processes. It produces various components such as cylinder sleeves and heads alongside camshafts and crankshafts for Honda engines.
The plant also manufactures high-precision pulleys used in continuously variable transmissions (CVT) produced at nearby Honda Transmission using both domestic and global parts.
AEP demonstrates adaptability by continuing ICE engine production while supporting electrification efforts within Honda's broader strategy.
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