The ceremony was graced by Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak as well as the president, CEO and representative director of Honda Takahiro Hachigo, among others.

The Prachinburi plant has adopted the automaker’s new product technologies. These include the world’s first Assembly Revolution Cell (ARC) line, which incorporates flowing cell production-style production units in the main line to increase production by 10 percent compared to conventional lines.

The inclusion of servo control and high speed feeder has also allowed a 25 percent improvement of the stamping press process efficiency over the conventional line. The operating ratio also sees an improvement of 40 percent with the application of compact and lightweight welding jigs.

The Prachinburi plant started the mass production for the new Honda Civic. It plans to produce sub-compact and compact models in the future.

Mr Takahiro commented: “Thailand has increased its presence as one of Honda’s production hubs by supplying products and components not only for the home market but also for the world including ASEAN nations, which drive our global sales growth. I am committed to making certain that the role of Thailand will become even more valuable with the completion of this all-new Prachinburi factory with full advantage of Honda’s newest production technologies.”