LINCOLN, Alabama — Honda Manufacturing of Alabama continues to grow its operations in Talladega County, with a multi-phase project that will improve flexibility, strengthen efficiency and prepare for future technologies.

The latest phase announced by the automaker is a $54.8 million expansion that will add more than 50,000 square feet at Honda Alabama’s Line 2 operations.

The expansion is expected to be completed in early 2021.

When combined with last year’s investment announcements for both the Line 1 and Line 2 facilities, Honda Alabama will add more than 425,000 square feet to its production operations for a combined investment of about $150 million.

“Honda is a cornerstone of Alabama’s vibrant automotive industry,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

“The company continues to show confidence in its local workforce, with new investments that fuel innovative technologies sought by customers around the world.”

ECONOMIC IMPACT

Honda has more than 4,500 employees at its $2.6 billion plant in Lincoln, which has the capacity to produce more than 340,000 vehicles and engines each year. Its lineup includes the Odyssey minivan, Pilot SUV and Ridgeline pickup, as well as the V-6 engines that power all three models.

Last year, workers built a record number of Pilots as part of a total output of 357,316 minivans, sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks and V-6 engines.

The factory has an annual estimated economic impact in the state of $6.8 billion, according to a University of Alabama analysis.