Report shows Ohio benefits from Honda

MARYSVILLE, Ohio (AP) -- The state of Ohio has gotten a good return on its investment in Honda of America, according to a study the company released in honor of its 25th anniversary in the state.
It says Honda employs 16,049 people at its six subsidiaries in the state and has an annual payroll of more than $1.1 billion. In addition, Honda suppliers employ 40,776 people in Ohio, 18,689 of whom work directly on Honda business.
The 53-page study, released Sunday, was conducted by Columbus tax and public finance consulting firm Levin, Driscoll & amp; Fleeter and was paid for by Honda.
It notes that the state provided $26.9 million in direct incentives from 1977 to 1988, plus $64.4 million in road improvements for a total of $91.3 million. According to the study, Honda has paid more than $1 billion in taxes since 1979 and now pays more than $100 million annually.
"Honda's initial investment was rooted in manufacturing, beginning with a motorcycle plant, and growing to include the production of engines and America's best-selling car," Ohio Development Director Bruce Johnson said in a prepared statement. "Today, Ohio is the hub for Honda's North American operations, housing functions such as research and development and procurement."
The study said the company has invested $6.1 billion in its Ohio operations since coming to the state in 1979. In 2003, the value of goods produced at Honda's Ohio facilities reached $17.1 billion.