Subaru plant hits production milestone

Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is celebrating a milestone as it marks the seven millionth vehicle to roll off the assembly line in the Lafayette plant’s 35-year history, regardless of brand. On Thursday morning, workers completed the assembly of a 2023 Subaru Ascent Limited.

This is the second major celebration in less than a year at the facility in Tippecanoe County. In August, the automaker hit the five million mark for the production of a Subaru Outback Wilderness.

When the company broke ground in 1987, the Lafayette plant was a joint venture between Subaru and Isuzu. When production began two years later, workers were manufacturing the Subaru Legacy and Isuzu pickup.

Over the years, the factory also produced the Honda Passport and Toyota Camry. But since June 2016, the plant has exclusively produced Subaru vehicles.

Like other automakers, Subaru idled production at the Lafayette plant during the pandemic as it faced supply chain issues.

“Amid ongoing production challenges, this milestone has added significance,” said Scott Brand, executive vice president. “Thanks to our dedicated associates, we have continued to produce big numbers in spite of supply chain issues.”

The plant is Subaru’s only manufacturing facility outside of Japan and currently makes the Ascent, Impreza, Legacy and Outback models. SIA says it produces about half of all Subaru vehicles sold in North America.