Kumamoto Factory — Honda’s Global Hub Factory

Power products manufactured at the Kumamoto Factory primarily include general-purpose engines (GX/GCV engines), generators (EU26iJ), tillers (FG201 Puchi-na, FU220 Komame, FF300 Sa Ra Da, FF500 Sa Ra Da), and seasonal snow blowers (HSS1370). The factory also produces certain electric products, including Honda Power Pod e:.

Snow blowers complete production in autumn so they can reach customers in time for winter demand. As a result, generators, tillers, and some electric products are manufactured throughout the year.

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The Kumamoto Factory began operations in January 1976 and marked its 50th anniversary in January 2026. It was initially launched as a motorcycle export plant and began producing power products in 1984, starting with the HT3810/3813 riding lawn mowers. Today, the Kumamoto Factory serves as the global hub for motorcycles and power products production, providing guidance and support to Honda plants around the world.

On the same expansive floor as the motorcycle engine production line, located next to the motorcycle assembly plant, stands the power products assembly line.

Unlike motorcycle assembly lines—where vehicles move continuously along conveyors while parts are installed—the power products production floor operates somewhat differently. It is characterized by shorter production lines and a greater amount of work performed by each operator at every process stage. A higher degree of human involvement gives the production floor a stronger handcrafted character.

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While motorcycle assembly plants often install parts supplied by partner companies onto the vehicle body, the power products production floor manufactures many of its own components in-house. Operators apply ingenuity and improvements as they assemble parts. In-house component manufacturing contributes to cost efficiency.

By relying as much as possible on manual assembly, the factory enhances operator precision while enabling flexible production across a wide range of models, ultimately improving overall product quality.

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Most power products are closely connected to daily life or support essential work. For this reason, a slogan is displayed at the entrance to the Kumamoto Power Products plant:

“Expanding the Joy of Being Helpful.”

The slogan reflects Honda’s philosophy of making people’s lives easier through technology and serves as a guiding principle for those working in the power products business.

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At the Honda Power Products plant, the highest priorities are production management and quality control.

From a production management perspective, timing is critical. Agricultural activities such as rice planting and crop seeding have clearly defined seasons. Agricultural machinery must be supplied in time for these periods; otherwise, farming operations may be disrupted.

Similarly, in regions that experience heavy snowfall, snow blowers must be delivered before the snow begins to fall.

In the power products business, production delays or shortages directly affect people’s livelihoods and income. For that reason, the plant maintains a strict production management system supported by strong commitment.

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In terms of quality control, the plant strengthens monitoring systems using cameras and sensors in addition to operator self-checks. Separate intermediate and final inspectors are assigned to ensure thorough quality verification.

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However, relying on human craftsmanship also means being highly sensitive to human factors. Changes related to physical condition or interpersonal relationships can influence production and quality.

For this reason, production managers pay close attention to any “changes” among operators and emphasize active communication, remaining constantly aware of subtle shifts.

At the Kumamoto Factory, three fundamentals are upheld as unquestioned standards:
- Produce according to the delivery schedule
- Produce according to the planned production volume
- Produce without errors

Seasonal power products—such as tillers used in spring and summer and snow blowers used in winter—as well as generators that are called upon unexpectedly during disasters or power outages, are used during limited periods and often stored for long durations.

They must deliver reliable starting performance and dependable operation whenever needed.

Through adherence to these “three fundamentals,” the Kumamoto Power Products plant strives to consistently manufacture high-quality products, deliver them reliably to customers, and contribute to better lives.

Power products are closely connected to everyday living. Fulfilling that role represents the social mission that Honda employees aim to achieve.