A new Honda manufacturing plant, projected to create 3,000 jobs and produce hybrid Honda and Acura vehicles, is proposed for approximately 300 acres in Liberty Township, Union County, according to an Ohio EPA filing. The proposed site, identified as “Project Sunrise,” is located south of Rapp-Dean Road and west of Johnson Road. It sits immediately south of Honda’s existing East Liberty Auto Plant and east of the Transportation Research Center, positioning it between Honda’s two current Ohio assembly plants.
The application indicates that construction could begin in January 2027 and conclude by December 2029. A Honda spokesman later confirmed the authenticity of the filing, while emphasizing that the company has not yet made a final decision on the investment. Sources anticipate an official announcement from the company soon.
This proposal aligns with Honda’s broader strategy, announced recently, to introduce 15 next-generation hybrid models globally by March 2030, with a focus on North American customers. The Japanese automaker also unveiled its new gasoline-electric technology, Honda Hybrid, slated for new vehicles starting in 2027. This technology promises improved fuel economy, lighter vehicle platforms, and reduced manufacturing costs. Honda’s announcement reinforces the significance of its existing Central Ohio manufacturing network, which includes the Marysville and East Liberty assembly plants, thousands of employees, and an extensive supplier network. The company has previously stated plans to expand hybrid production across its North American manufacturing operations. The EPA application states that the new facility would "maintain vehicle supply in North America to meet the growing demand." While Honda has not confirmed specific vehicle models, Automotive News reported that the plant could manufacture three large, three-row crossovers, including the next-generation Acura MDX and two new flagship SUVs. The potential investment is estimated to be between $1.8 billion and $2.5 billion, according to reporting by Nikkei Asia, Reuters, and Automotive News.
Separately, the Marysville Planning Commission has unanimously approved a sketch plan for Harvest Ridge, a new mixed-use development proposed for a 121.87-acre parcel along State Route 31, just north of the Marysville city limits. Hillview Farms, a third-generation family farming operation that has worked this land since 1958, is partnering with Drees Homes for the project. Carrie Grome, secretary-treasurer of Hillview Farms, explained the family’s decision, stating that selling the parcel will help them diversify and fund the purchase of 300 additional agricultural acres farther north on Route 31. She noted the family’s desire to continue farming in Marysville and Union County, and to give back to the community by meeting local needs.
The Harvest Ridge plan includes a 15-acre commercial zone along Route 31, featuring a three-storefront property to be built and owned directly by Hillview Farms. This commercial hub will house a 5,000 to 8,000-square-foot family-friendly restaurant, a salon and spa, and a fresh meat market selling Hillview Farms beef, complete with an on-site butcher and a proposed drive-thru window. Additionally, plans for a neighboring lot include a family entertainment facility with activities such as pickleball, cornhole, and golf simulators, contingent on securing investors.
Behind the commercial area, the residential layout proposes 241 dwelling units across five distinct housing styles. These options encompass townhomes with primary bedrooms on either the second or first floor, single-story paired patio homes, and single-family houses on lots up to 80 feet wide. Projected base prices for these homes are expected to start in the $400,000 range. The development dedicates approximately 47 acres, about 38% of the total site, to open space. Key features of this open space include 10-foot-wide walking paths along both sides of the main boulevard, several pocket parks, a preserved prairie meadow, and connections to the regional Jim Simmons Memorial Trail.
During the review, Commission members praised the walkability and design concepts within the plan but requested clarification on several points, including the construction timeline, the phasing of commercial and residential areas, and how parking lots would be screened from view along Route 31. Local residents from the adjacent Mill Valley neighborhood voiced concerns about potential construction traffic and possible flooding risks near Mill Creek, which borders the western part of the property. In response, developers assured neighbors that all heavy construction traffic would be directed strictly off Route 31 and away from residential streets, and that homes would be built safely outside the flood zone.
With the sketch plan approved, the Harvest Ridge project now advances into formal review. Developers are required to prepare and submit Planned Unit Development (PUD) text along with a detailed Development Plan for further evaluation by the Planning Commission and City Council. Groundbreaking for the Harvest Ridge development is anticipated in approximately two years. For the Honda plant, an official announcement from the company is expected soon, preceding any final investment decision.