Yamaha opens advanced marine assembly line

Japan’s Yamaha Motor has opened an advanced new engine manufacturing facility in Shizuoka Prefecture, Fukuroi City, in response to the increasing popularity of Yamaha’s four-stroke outboard range. The factory houses a number of marine assembly lines relocated from other manufacturing bases but also includes features such as robotic automation of painting processes and module-type manufacturing. Greg Fenwick, marine manager for Yamaha-Motor New Zealand, says environmental considerations have also been a high priority in the new plant with the adoption of natural lighting, recycled water circulation systems and other sustainable measures. (November 22, 2008)