CYPRESS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., (YMUS) has announced the completion of its all-terrain vehicle (ATV) production transfer from overseas facilities to the Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMC) in Newnan, Georgia, adding hundreds of jobs to its U.S. facility.
Yamaha also announced today that it has opened a second dedicated assembly plant in Newnan for the production of future Side-by-Side (SxS) products, including the new Viking, an all-new vehicle that sets a new standard in the three-person multi-purpose SxS segment.
Since the ATV production transfer strategy was first announced in 2010, Yamaha has moved production of all of its top-of-the-line, image leading models like the Grizzly 700 FI, the industry’s first ATV with Electric Power Steering, and most recently the YFZ450R, the highest performance, most technologically advanced sport ATV on the market. All of these ATVs, along with all of Yamaha’s SxS vehicles, are now produced exclusively at YMMC for worldwide distribution.
Already the largest employer in Newnan, YMMC is poised to continue growing in Georgia and will add another 100 jobs to support Viking production in Plant 2 this year. Another 300 jobs could be added over the next three to five years based on forecasts. The advanced manufacturing facility covers more than 850,000 square feet and includes the latest technology, equipment and procedures in motorsports manufacturing.
“Yamaha continues to ramp up U.S. production thanks to the ATV production transfer, the introduction of all-new products like the Viking, and improving market conditions,” said Mike Martinez, vice president of Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group. “Yamaha is one of the largest motorsports companies in the world, and it is exciting to see the company’s increased emphasis on U.S. manufacturing. The U.S. is the world’s largest ATV and SxS market with more than 70 percent of global sales. It makes great business sense for Yamaha to manufacture these products right here in the U.S. for worldwide distribution.”
Increased production has benefited both Yamaha customers and the local community in Newnan, Georgia. Yamaha employs more than 1,250 people there – up from 1,100 since the ATV production transfer began in 2011. In total, Yamaha has added approximately 200 jobs in Georgia between its factory in Newnan and Yamaha’s corporate offices in Kennesaw.
“The Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America is a world-class facility with the highest standards and certifications for quality, environmental manufacturing and safety,” said Mike Chrzanowski, senior vice president of operations and engineering services at YMMC. “Yamaha has invested more than $250 million over the past decade to support our expansion and our employees – who are some of the best in the world – and to make our U.S. factory the center of Yamaha’s worldwide ATV and SxS vehicle production.”
“I am happy to hear Yamaha will be expanding their production in Georgia’s Third Congressional District,” said Congressman Lynn Westmoreland. “News like this reminds us what a great state Georgia is for businesses. Yamaha has been an integral part of Newnan’s economy since they first started production here, and we expect they will continue to provide jobs and community support as their company expands. I look forward to continuing to work with Yamaha as they grow their Newnan location.”
In total, Yamaha employs upwards of 3,150 people across the U.S. – up from 2,800 in 2011 – and supports more than 30,000 additional jobs through its manufacturing facilities, corporate offices, field staff, distribution centers, suppliers and dealer partners. The Newnan factory alone spends more than $170 million annually with 137 worldwide suppliers – 125 of which are also based in North America. Yamaha has corporate offices, regional offices, factories and distribution centers in nine states including Georgia, California, Wisconsin, Texas, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Illinois, New Jersey and Washington.
Learn more about Yamaha Motorsports products at www.YamahaOutdoors.com. Follow Yamaha at www.facebook.com/YamahaOutdoors and www.twitter.com/YamahaOutdoors
About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation,
U.S.A., (YMUS) a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest,
most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s
ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard
motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power
equipment, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold
through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States.
Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.
About Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMC)
Founded
in 1986, the Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMC)
facility has the highest certifications for quality, safety and
environmental manufacturing in producing golf cars, personal watercraft,
Side-by-Side vehicles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The factory is
ISO9001 Quality Management System and ISO14001 Environmental Management
System certified.
YMMC has participated in both EPA’s National Performance Track Program and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Sustainable Georgia Partnership Program. These voluntary programs were developed to recognize companies that have implemented strong environmental management systems. In return, participating companies are expected to continually improve their environmental performance through waste reduction, resource conservation, community outreach, and implementation of other sustainable business practices. YMMC’s involvement in these programs clearly shows its desire and commitment to go beyond regulatory compliance requirements in protecting and preserving Georgia’s natural resources. In addition, YMMC has received the Georgia State Natural Leader Award.
SxS Vehicles are recommended for use only by licensed drivers age 16 years and older.
ATVs over 90cc are recommended for use only by riders 16 years and older.
