MARYSVILLE, Ohio --

Honda Manufacturing of America is celebrating two major Ohio milestones this week. On Tuesday, the company rolled out the ten-millionth car produced produced at its Maryville plant. And Wednesday, Honda marked 25 years making auto engines in Anna, Ohio.

 

After 28 years in Marysville, the company's impact on the local economy extends beyond the 4,400 workers employed at Honda. Locals credit the company's contributions Mini-Bulbs to business, retail and housing growth. In the past five years, Marysville retailers have added more 700,000 square feet of retail space to meet the growing demand.

 

"We'd be a little farm town. I don't know what it would be," said Joe Duke, owner of three Marysville businesses. "Without Honda, I don't know where this place would be economically. They provide tons and tons of jobs."

 

Duke arrived in Marysville in 1980, two years before Honda came to town. Last year, workers at the Marysville plant produced 302,000 Accord sedans, coupes and Acura TL and RDX models. Duke credits Honda for some of his own businesses' success.

 

"We wouldn't even exist if they weren't here," Duke said. "We've got seven, eight, nine new restaurants in the last ten years, new development, new YMCA... Without the vibrance of Honda, that wouldn't be happening."

 

The benefits go beyond Marysville, as Honda employs 13,500 Ohioans and contracted for $5.5 billion in auto parts in 2009 from 160 Ohio parts suppliers.