​ Indiana Auto Plant (IAP), which produces the popular Civic Sedan and alternative-fuel Civic Natural Gas, today began a second production shift for the first time, which increases production at the plant to its full 200,000-unit annual capacity and adds approximately 1,000 new associates to Honda’s operations in Indiana.

Honda in Indiana

The addition of a second-shift at IAP follows the return to normal production levels at all seven of the Honda automobile plants in North America, following the disruption of parts supplies as a result of the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

IAP was recognized earlier this year for its outstanding quality as one of only three automobile plants globally to earn a Platinum Award for quality based on the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Initial Quality Survey℠ (IQS). Earlier this month, the plant began production of the redesigned 2012 Civic Natural Gas, the only OEM -made natural gas vehicle available for retail purchase in America.

“We are taking an important step forward in the realization of our dream,” said IAP President Jun Nishimoto. “Our associates have made this one of the highest quality plants in the world, and now we have the opportunity to share their commitment to excellence with even more Honda customers. It’s a great day for Honda in Indiana.”

Hiring of new associates began in June, with specific training taking place over the past several months in virtually every major production process, including stamping, welding, painting, plastic injection molding, sub-assembly and final assembly operations.

The production expansion at IAP also has resulted in additional business growth and employment opportunities for numerous suppliers to the plant. Parts for Indiana-built Civics are supplied from 225 companies in the U.S. and Canada, including 20 suppliers in Indiana, 28 in Michigan, 18 in Kentucky, 13 in Texas, 10 in Tennessee and 74 in neighboring Ohio. In addition, Ohio is home to Honda’s engine plant in Anna, which produces engines for Indiana-made Civics, and its plant in Russells Point, which manufactures automatic transmissions for Civic models.

Honda has the capacity to build 1.63 million automobiles at its seven auto plants in North America, which combined have nine assembly lines. In 2010, more than 87% of the Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. were built in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts. Honda opened its first auto plant in the U.S. in 1982, in Marysville, Ohio, meaning the company will mark its 30th anniversary of U.S. auto production next year.