jaiden
06-26-2008, 10:09 AM
Here's an article that was on our intranet for all Honda of America Mfg., Inc's facilities to view.
Element Homecomingby Cornelia Hostetler
Element owners love their vehicles.
On Friday, June 20, more than 150 owners from North America visited the East Liberty Auto Plant where their beloved vehicles were built. The guests were treated to a plant tour and an overview of how the Element is designed and manufactured.
Honda Research and Development of Ohio (HRA-O) provided a presentation on the development process to the far and wide travelers prior to the tour. Honda of America associate Dane Espenschied shared Honda’s manufacturing capabilities in Ohio. Following the presentations and tour, associates were given the opportunity to mingle with the guests during a tailgate party on the front lawn and entrance to ELP. Elements of every color lined the visitor parking lot.
“My husband liked my green 2003 Element so much, he went and bought a 2004 model of the same color,” said Element owner Mary Beth Ruger of Virginia Beach, Va.
Justin Jorgenson of Waterford, N.Y., shared the story about his mother walking away from an accident in her 2005 black Element. “She only had a bruise even though the Element was totaled. Mom replaced her totaled Element with an ’08 silver/black model. We appreciate the safety built into these models.”
“Unbelievable,” said Kent Radford, retired schoolteacher from Vero Beach, Fla. “I just came out of a GM factory tour in Bowling Green, Ky. two days ago and this plant and their plant are as different as night and day.” When asked how they differed, Radford replied, “This plant is very automated with self-guided vehicles and robots. At the GM plant, production stopped three or four times while we were on tour. They were also pulling 10 percent of their product due to quality issues.
“I had a pleasant experience touring this facility. You even had tour sweeps while the GM plant did not. There’s definitely much more activity here,” added Radford. “I also noticed that associates go to the production floor where the root problem begins versus just letting it go like other companies.”
Ted Olson and son Eddie of Chesapeake, Va. stated that they own two Elements – a 2006 kiwi and a 2003 orange. “I really wanted a truck, but when my friend walked away after rolling his Element, I was sold. I like the versatility too. It’s great on a road trip – it’s spacious, safe and has great visibility. And, of course, the Honda quality is a plus.”
Jay Doi, Element development project leader at the East Liberty Auto Plant said, “It’s very exciting to see all the Element owners here. This is a good opportunity for associates to learn about all the fans they have … the cars that our associates make right here. They can be proud of that.”
Also on display at ELP was the 2003 Element that was souped up with Kicker amplifiers, which was built for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show to highlight their speakers and products. Terrence Silvia of Cylde, Kan. purchased the vehicle and proudly demonstrated the capability of its boom box.
“I like everything about this car. When people see it they all say ‘Wow!’” Silvia said. And he proved his case in point, as an ELP associate walked up and said “Wow!”
“I love coming to the factory. I was here in 2005. Honda is so nice to us. I just want to share with all the associates that we love our cars. Keep putting all the quality into them and thank you for all your hard work,” added Silvia, also the owner of two Accords and two Elements.
“I have a dog, so I love my Element,” said Roberta Bennett of Sioux Falls, S.D. “I camp a lot and haul everything in it. It’s easy to clean up, it’s fun and convenient.”
Joining Bennett in Chicago was her friend that flew in from Seattle, also an Element owner.
“I’m a real skeptic and not into cars,” continued Bennett. “I thought for sure I was going to be bored on the tour. But I was really impressed. Everything ran so strategic and was very organized. I did not realize all the manufacturing stuff that goes into making a car. And everyone here is so friendly. Associates were waving to us as we walked by. That was nice. I appreciate all the hard work they put into creating a good product. Keep up the good work and keep smiling!”
Element Homecomingby Cornelia Hostetler
Element owners love their vehicles.
On Friday, June 20, more than 150 owners from North America visited the East Liberty Auto Plant where their beloved vehicles were built. The guests were treated to a plant tour and an overview of how the Element is designed and manufactured.
Honda Research and Development of Ohio (HRA-O) provided a presentation on the development process to the far and wide travelers prior to the tour. Honda of America associate Dane Espenschied shared Honda’s manufacturing capabilities in Ohio. Following the presentations and tour, associates were given the opportunity to mingle with the guests during a tailgate party on the front lawn and entrance to ELP. Elements of every color lined the visitor parking lot.
“My husband liked my green 2003 Element so much, he went and bought a 2004 model of the same color,” said Element owner Mary Beth Ruger of Virginia Beach, Va.
Justin Jorgenson of Waterford, N.Y., shared the story about his mother walking away from an accident in her 2005 black Element. “She only had a bruise even though the Element was totaled. Mom replaced her totaled Element with an ’08 silver/black model. We appreciate the safety built into these models.”
“Unbelievable,” said Kent Radford, retired schoolteacher from Vero Beach, Fla. “I just came out of a GM factory tour in Bowling Green, Ky. two days ago and this plant and their plant are as different as night and day.” When asked how they differed, Radford replied, “This plant is very automated with self-guided vehicles and robots. At the GM plant, production stopped three or four times while we were on tour. They were also pulling 10 percent of their product due to quality issues.
“I had a pleasant experience touring this facility. You even had tour sweeps while the GM plant did not. There’s definitely much more activity here,” added Radford. “I also noticed that associates go to the production floor where the root problem begins versus just letting it go like other companies.”
Ted Olson and son Eddie of Chesapeake, Va. stated that they own two Elements – a 2006 kiwi and a 2003 orange. “I really wanted a truck, but when my friend walked away after rolling his Element, I was sold. I like the versatility too. It’s great on a road trip – it’s spacious, safe and has great visibility. And, of course, the Honda quality is a plus.”
Jay Doi, Element development project leader at the East Liberty Auto Plant said, “It’s very exciting to see all the Element owners here. This is a good opportunity for associates to learn about all the fans they have … the cars that our associates make right here. They can be proud of that.”
Also on display at ELP was the 2003 Element that was souped up with Kicker amplifiers, which was built for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show to highlight their speakers and products. Terrence Silvia of Cylde, Kan. purchased the vehicle and proudly demonstrated the capability of its boom box.
“I like everything about this car. When people see it they all say ‘Wow!’” Silvia said. And he proved his case in point, as an ELP associate walked up and said “Wow!”
“I love coming to the factory. I was here in 2005. Honda is so nice to us. I just want to share with all the associates that we love our cars. Keep putting all the quality into them and thank you for all your hard work,” added Silvia, also the owner of two Accords and two Elements.
“I have a dog, so I love my Element,” said Roberta Bennett of Sioux Falls, S.D. “I camp a lot and haul everything in it. It’s easy to clean up, it’s fun and convenient.”
Joining Bennett in Chicago was her friend that flew in from Seattle, also an Element owner.
“I’m a real skeptic and not into cars,” continued Bennett. “I thought for sure I was going to be bored on the tour. But I was really impressed. Everything ran so strategic and was very organized. I did not realize all the manufacturing stuff that goes into making a car. And everyone here is so friendly. Associates were waving to us as we walked by. That was nice. I appreciate all the hard work they put into creating a good product. Keep up the good work and keep smiling!”