SIGNS OF LIFE: Honda will resume production Monday

Honda will soon resume production in Ohio and North America, a company spokesman confirmed Thursday.

“Honda will gradually resume production in the U.S. and Canada starting May 11,” spokesman Chris Abbruzzese said in an email.

A detailed announcement is expected later.

But there were signs that work at some level was going to resume early next week.

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A Canadian radio station reported that Honda will resume production at facilities in Alliston, Ontario Monday. And a newspaper in Marysville said the company is gearing up to resume work next week.

Dual plants in Alliston produce the Honda Civic and the CR-V.

The COVID-19 emergency has forced Honda to do something it has never done in Ohio: temporarily lay off full-time employees.

HISTORIC: Honda lays off Ohio workers for the first time

In late April, Honda, one of Ohio’s and the Dayton-Springfield area’s largest employers, extended its suspension of production until May 8.

“In addition to the impact of COVID-19 on the marketplace, stay-at-home orders remain in many cities and states, impeding the ability of consumers to purchase new vehicles,” Honda said in a statement April 23. “As a result, Honda must continue to take steps that align product supply and business expenses with market demand.”

Production work stopped in Ohio and elsewhere in North America March 23. Honda also said most U.S. salaried and support employees will continue to be furloughed for an additional week and will return to work Friday or Monday depending on location.

This story will be updated.

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