Based at the renowned Shizuoka prefecture in Fukuroi City, the new Yamaha Marine Fukuroi Plant is the site where a series of marine assembly lines from their current manufacturing base, are being relocated.

The rise in popularity of Yamaha 4-stroke engines has put increasing pressure on Yamaha’s current outboard production and fuelled this new relocation initiative. With an increase in the overall size of motors, component size and the number of parts per motor, Yamaha believes this relocation will enable the efficient reorganisation of manufacturing procedures plus improve distribution operations and safety systems.

“The global marine market is making a dynamic shift across from 2-stroke engines to new 4-stroke technology in large numbers,” said Brett Hampson, National Sales and Marketing Manager for Marine Products at Yamaha Motor Australia.

“Yamaha is satisfying customer expectations by creating another manufacturing facility to help keep ahead of demand for our 4-stroke outboards. This new initiative is testament to Yamaha’s commitment to make the best 4-stroke outboards in the world.”

The Fukuroi Plant will greatly improve productivity and further enhance quality for Yamaha’s marine operations with robotic automation of painting processes and the adoption of module-type manufacturing. Environmental considerations have also been a high priority with natural lighting, recycled water circulation systems and other sustainable measures adopted at the new facility.

The new Yamaha Fukuroi Plant sprawls over a 118,007m2 site with the factory covering over 35,000m2 of floor space.

An official opening ceremony signalled the start of operations on the first of the assembly lines moved to the Fukuroi Plant from Yamaha Marine’s head factory.  The remaining assembly lines are set to be relocated by the summer of 2009.

Yamaha outboards are available through an Australia-wide network of authorised Yamaha outboard dealers.  All Yamaha 4-stroke outboards are supported with a full 4-year manufacturer’s warranty and all 2-stroke outboards are backed by a 3 year warranty – standard conditions apply.

For further information on this story contact:

Brett Hampson
National Sales & Marketing Manager
Marine Products

Tel (07) 3906 7000
Fax (07) 3906 7099
www.yamaha-motor.com.au