Honda announced Thursday morning that it will invest $200 million in its transmission plant in Russells Point and engine plant in Anna and create 200 new manufacturing jobs at the sites.

The automaker, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in the U.S., said the move will raise its cumulative investment in the nation to $12.5 billion.

“For 30 years, Honda associates in our U.S. auto plants have challenged themselves and set high standards to create products that meet the needs of our customers here and in markets around the world,” said Tetsuo Iwamura, president and CEO of American Honda Motor Co. Inc. and chief operating officer of North American Regional Operations, said in a statement. “We continue to invest in our associates, helping to keep our operations in America on the leading edge of quality, efficiency and flexibility.”

On Nov. 1, 1982 Honda became the first Japanese automaker to produce automobiles in America (using domestic and globally sourced parts) when the first Honda Accord rolled off the assembly line at the Marysville, Ohio, auto plant.

Honda builds automobiles, engines and transmissions in North America at seven auto plants, three auto engine plants and two transmission plants, with the capacity to produce 1.63 million cars and trucks per year.

The company said today it employs more than 26,000 associates and operates nine major manufacturing plants and 15 R&D facilities in the U.S., including four auto plants with an annual capacity of 1.08 million Honda and Acura vehicles.

In the coming years, Honda operations in North America will take on new responsibilities for the mass production launch of global Honda models, the company said.

In addition to direct investments, Honda also works with approximately 500 U.S. OEM parts and materials suppliers, and purchased $14.4 billion in OEM parts and materials from U.S. suppliers in 2011. Honda has more than 600 parts suppliers in North America, with purchases expected to exceed $20 billion this year.