Honda invests £200m in Swindon plant

Car giant Honda has announced it is investing £200m in its Swindon plant, which will become the global production hub for the next-generation Civic model.

The company says the investment will secure the 2,500 jobs at the site.

However, manufacture of the next generation CR-V will move to Ontario in Canada, while the Jazz will be made in Japan. Both currently roll off the production lines in Swindon.

The Swindon plant has the capacity to produce 250,000 cars a year, but built just under 120,000 cars in 2014.

However, the news was broadly welcomed by workers, business leaders, and politicians.

Ian Larrard, Director of the Swindon and Wiltshire Initiative said: “Today’s announcement that Honda will invest a further £200 million is a huge boost for the local area and builds on the increase in business confidence we are seeing in Swindon to kick off 2015.

“The new plans to develop the next generation of the Civic model that will be distributed globally will only improve our international profile and stimulate future growth.

“Honda has invested some £2.2bn in the Swindon plant over the last 20 years and its continued support is vital to our long term prosperity.”

Meanwhile, Justin Tomlinson, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Swindon North, said: “Great news for Swindon’s economy as Honda announce plans to build the new Civic in the town. We are a town on the up!”

Jason Smith, director of Honda of the UK Manufacturing, said: “By establishing HUM as a global production facility for the Civic five door, Honda is demonstrating its long-term commitment to manufacturing in the UK and Europe.

“This is incredibly important for HUM and is a reward for the commitment and effort put in by Honda associates in recent years.”

“As a global production facility for the Civic five door model we look forward to making the most of the opportunity to export this model not only to our European customers, but also, to key global markets.”