Greensburg Welcomes Honda

GREENSBURG, Ind. -- Officials from Japanese automaker Honda confirmed Wednesday morning that the company will build a $550 million plant near Greensburg that will bring 2,000 jobs to the city and produce 200,000 vehicles a year.

The Decatur County location was one of several in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin that the automaker considered.

"We believe that the great state of Indiana has what we need to continue this success," said Koichi Kondo, president of Honda North America. "This is an ideal location in the Midwest, both for our network, our suppliers and as a central location for our customers across the country."

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Gov. Mitch Daniels rushed back from a trip to Asia to be at the announcement at the city's learning center. The announcement is tremendously good news for the city halfway between Indianapolis and Cincinnati.

"The Indiana comeback is under way," Daniels said after touting other recent job announcements.

"Honda is the kind of company Hoosiers admire most. It's a company that takes … enormous pride in its products," Daniels said. "Honda is going to feel right at home in Indiana, and you're going to love Greensburg and this part of the state."

Daniels told 6News' Norman Cox that he found out about Honda's plan to come to Greensburg while he was in Japan a few days ago.

"I've had a little practice keeping secrets and it was very important in any situation like this to respect the wishes and confidence of people you're working with," Daniels said.

Honda officials were not ready to reveal what models will be made in Greensburg, but said that it will be a 4-cylinder vehicle, spurred by increased demand for fuel-efficient vehicles.

The plant is to begin production by 2008. Honda has already taken options on two sites near Greensburg.

Decatur County officials were already scheduled to meet Wednesday to vote on rezoning some of the land.

Greensburg Revels In Honda's Choice

An announcement of 2,000 new jobs for a city of about 10,500 residents is a big economic shot in the arm. Greensburg residents and officials had been instrumental in actively pursuing the plant.

"It will be better jobs," said Greensburg Mayor Frank Manus. "People will have better homes. It will be great."

Residents watched from home as 6News carried the news conference live.

"It's good for the community. It's going to be good for jobs. It's going to be great for growth," said resident Keith Reed.

"People are ready for something new. They," said resident Sandra Hamer. "They need hope, and that's what this plant is giving them is hope."

Economic conditions have not been kind to Greensburg. Larry Combs said the plant will allow people who want to find work near home an opportunity to earn it.

"A lot of people don't want to drive very far and there's not a whole lot around here, unless you want to do a lot of temp work," Combs said.

Cynics noted that some of the jobs might be taken by people from other communities.

"They'll come to Greensburg and make their money, but they'll go back to their own little hometown and spend it," said Gilbert Harmon. "Therefore, the merchants and people that are here don't really benefit as advertised."