North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Honda Aircraft Company, maker of the HondaJet light aircraft, will develop and produce a longer-range version of the plane at its Greensboro site, Gov. Roy Cooper announced.
The company will invest $55.7 million in Guilford County to build its new HondaJet 2600 model, bringing the total investment in the state to over $335 million.
“We are thrilled that North Carolina will be home to the new Honda light jet that represents the next chapter of our skyward mobility,” said Hideto Yamasaki, president and CEO of Honda Aircraft Company. “The state of North Carolina provides a rich talent pool and tremendous support from our local community and having our facilities located right next to the Piedmont Triad International Airport is an ideal location to develop and produce our new light jet.”
The company’s project in Greensboro will establish production lines to manufacture the new HondaJet 2600, focusing initially on the critical design phase and production readiness of the plane, requiring significant R&D resources.
“Talent comes first when companies consider a business location,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “Locations that can offer a talented and well-trained workforce, tailored to the needs of a particular industry, succeed in today’s business environment.
“North Carolina’s First in Talent strategic plan helps our state deliver the world-class workforce that makes us the best place to do business in the world.”
Honda Aircraft’s project in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) and requires local participation from the City of Greensboro and Guilford County.
“HondaJet is one of our area’s signature employers and we’re so pleased they’ve decided to expand in Greensboro,” said N.C. Senator Michael Garrett. “The Triad is the beating heart of North Carolina’s growing aviation industry, and we welcome this new investment in our region.”