Honda Plants Nearing Full Return

Central Ohio Honda plants are nearing a return to full production, as the auto giant continues to deal with a parts shortage in the wake of the March tsunami in Japan. The company had listed Aug. 1 as a goal to have all North American plants back pumping out cars at full capacity. Most employees at plants in Marysville and East Liberty will exceed that by a few days by returning to a five-day work week beginning July 25. But a company press release said a plant in Alabama will keep two furlough days in August, and a factory in Ontario, Canada will stay on a three-day work week at least until September. The March tsunami ravaged several key parts suppliers, many of which were the only manufacturers in the world capable of making some crucial electronics. The parts shortage has already slashed Honda production by more than 130,000 cars this year.