Honda To Expand AL Plant

Honda once again plans to expand its Alabama factory to take advantage of car buyers' demand for larger vehicles.

AL.com reports that the Japanese automaker will invest $85 million to expand the Lincoln, Ala., plant by next year. The report also indicated that the Talladega County Commission approved tax incentives for the project last week.

Honda invested more than $750 million in the plant since 2011, including a $71.4 million engine assembly facility that opened in 2015.

All four vehicles produced in Lincoln — the Odyssey minivan, Pilot SUV, Ridgeline pickup truck and the Acura MDX luxury SUV — were upgraded to new models over the past three years.

Honda spokesman Ted Pratt told the website that the project would "enhance Honda's manufacturing efficiency and flexibility to help HMA meet strong customer demand for light truck products and prepare for future opportunities."

The report did not indicate whether the expansion would bolster the complex's 4,500-employee workforce. About 450 jobs were added during the previous five years.