DETROIT (AP) — Honda Motor Co. said Monday it has added 1,000 new workers to staff a second shift at its factory in Greensburg, Ind., where the Civic compact car is made.
The added shift increases production at the factory to 200,000 cars per year, and is the latest sign that Honda production is returning to normal after being disrupted by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
Earlier in the year, Honda's U.S. production was cut severely due to parts shortages from Japan. The earthquake and tsunami damaged factories and knocked out electricity to parts supply companies. The Civic, new for 2012, is the last Honda car to return to normal production
Honda began hiring workers for the plant in June, with training taking place during the past few months.
Gasoline-powered and natural gas-powered Civics are made at the plant.
Honda said that last year, more than 87 percent of the Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. were built in North America.