LINCOLN, Alabama — Honda has launched a new facility at its Alabama Auto Plant that is dedicated to the installation of accessory option packages on its vehicles.
The $16 million, 66,000-square-foot Post-Production Option facility will house a program that outfits the automaker’s light-truck lineup with features designed to add extra performance and function, including bronze alloy wheels, fender flares, roof rails, cargo nets and trailer hitches.
The PPO program began in late 2020 with the installation of accessory packages for the redesigned 2021 Ridgeline pickup.
On Tuesday, community leaders joined company officials to cut the ribbon on the new PPO facility, which will allow Honda to expand the program to include accessory packages for the redesigned 2023 Pilot SUV and meet increased demand for customization of light truck models.
Honda also plans to eventually offer installation of single-item accessories to dealers.
“Our customer-focused Honda accessories program represents an incredible effort by our highly engaged team of associates who believed in this new business area and had the drive to make it succeed,” said Susan McCormick, department head of accessory product planning at American Honda Motor Co.
“The new PPO facility at our Alabama Auto Plant will enable us to better serve our Honda customers and provide them with the high-quality options they desire.”
MILESTONE
When the PPO program began, it was a proof of concept located at the AIDT worker training center near the Lincoln plant. Since that launch, Honda said, the program has met sales targets and received positive feedback from dealers and customers.
“Honda remains at the forefront of innovation in manufacturing light trucks, offering customers exactly what they want and need in a vehicle,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“This new PPO facility is yet another milestone in Honda’s legacy here in Alabama that is possible through the skill and dedication of the company’s local workforce.”
Honda’s $3 billion, 4,500 worker Alabama Auto Plant is the sole manufacturer of the Ridgeline and Pilot, as well as the Passport SUV and Odyssey minivan.
In December, workers celebrated the launch of the new Pilot, a project that prompted upgrades to processes and equipment throughout the plant.
(Courtesy of Made in Alabama)
