Yamaha to Move ATV Production to the US by 2013

Japanese manufacturer Yamaha announced today it plans to transfer its all-terrain vehicle (ATV) production from Japan to the United States.  With this transfer, the production capacity of YMC's Japanese subsidiary will be integrated into YMC's U.S. subsidiary (YMMC) based in Newnan, Georgia.

Though it is still in planning stages, the move is scheduled to begin in early 2011 and is intended to optimize manufacturing capacity and improve productivity.

The transfer will facilitate the consolidation of both production management and manufacturing technologies, as well maximizing production in the United States, the country with the largest demand for ATVs.  The production transfer to Newnan, Georgia, is expected to be complete by 2013.

“We are pleased to have this additional ATV production transitioning to YMMC in Newnan, Georgia," said Mike Martinez, General Manager of ATV & SxS Operations, Yamaha Motor USA. "We expect this transition to have a positive impact on the local economic community and provide worldwide recognition for our state-of-the-art facility and its ability to produce durable and reliable off-road vehicles."

YMC currently manufactures ATVs ranging in engine displacement from 250cc to 421cc.  The production transfer will increase the facility's production lineup to include a wide range of Yamaha ATVs up to models with large 700cc engines.

This transfer allows the Japanese subsidiary to concentrate on manufacturing generators, multi-purpose engines and golf cars, while the North American one will also continue to manufacture golf cars, personal watercraft and Side-by-Side vehicles.