Honda's announcement on June 28 that it will build a $ $550 million plant in Decatur County, Indiana, near Greensburg, 50 miles southeast of Indianapolis included a goal to have the "smallest environmental footprint of any Honda plant in North America."

"Our commitment to the environment is not based just on regulations or testing standards," said Akio Hamada, head of Honda's manufacturing operations in the North America Region.

The new plant will employ "advanced methods of energy and emission reduction with the goal to become a 'zero waste to landfill' factory," according to a company statement.

A workforce of 2,000 will build 200,000 fuel-efficient 4-cylinder vehicles annually beginning in 2008. This will bring Honda's total North American production capacity to 1.6 million by 2008. The total number of North American employees increases to 37,000.

As part of Honda's move to Indiana an infrastructure package was developed with the state of Indiana. The state and some communities will make various highway improvements as well as provide site and infrastructure improvements. Additionally funds will be available to train new Honda associates.